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Inquest into the death of Ian Sunter, from St George's Avenue in Sheerness, aims to establish how he died after suffering a suspected bee sting

A man died two weeks after he was taken to hospital to be treated for a suspected bee sting, an inquest has heard.

Ian Sunter, of St George's Avenue in Sheerness, died from head injuries and cirrhosis of the liver on May 19, 2009.

At an inquest resumed yesterday, pathologist Dr David Rouse said a post-mortem examination found Mr Sunter had died in Medway Maritime Hospital of unnatural causes.

The inquest took place at Archbishop's Palace
The inquest took place at Archbishop's Palace

It also found a variety of bruises to the 58-year-old's body, including marks on his forehead, arms and shins and an L-shaped abrasion on his chest.

Several ribs had also been fractured - injuries consistent with resuscitation attempts.

Dr Rouse, who conducted the post-mortem, said the wounds were consistent with falling forward and striking an object, such as a piece of furniture.

He also said it was possible Mr Sunter had suffered a stroke which caused him to fall, but added he could not rule out the possibility Mr Sunter had been assaulted.

Mr Sunter was first taken to hospital by ambulance on April 28, 2009.

Paramedic Peter Waterman arrived at 2.38pm and found Mr Sunter sitting in a chair with his carer.

The clinical team leader looked at a wound on the inside of Mr Sunter's elbow and was told it had been caused by a bee sting.

Speaking at the inquest at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone, he said: "The wound did not have the appearance of a bee sting.

Medway Maritime Hospital. Library image
Medway Maritime Hospital. Library image

"It had the appearance of some form of blunt trauma or knife injury, or wound that had been cut, poked or coddled at that made it open."

He also said a small area of skin had been removed from the area and it was described as being swollen and infected.

Dr Rouse could also find no evidence of a bee sting. He said he would not be able to tell what caused the cut given that it happened three weeks before his death.

Mr Waterman also said that he did not notice any bruises to Mr Sunter's face.

He did however say that the flat was poorly-maintained and that he believed he may have been drinking.

"The premises was in disarray and completely filthy," he said. "It didn't look like he was caring for himself very well.

"He was slurring and smelt of alcohol. He appeared to be under the influence of alcohol."

The hearing continues.


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