A MINOR stroke set in motion a chain of events that ultimately led to the death of 82-year-old James Smith.

An inquest heard that Mr Smith, of Maricourt Avenue, Blackburn, died in hospital of bronchopneumonia.

But pathologist Richard Prescott discovered that Mr Smith had fallen on numerous occasions. The post-mortem examination revealed a number of small brain haemorrhages and evidence of a mild stroke.

Dr Prescott said the stroke could have affected Mr Smith's balance, which would have explained falls which caused haemorrhages, which led to hospitalisation. Bronchopneumonia was a complication of immobility.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death.