FACTORY worker Andrew Gordon spoke to his father for the last time less than eight hours before an incident in which he suffered serious head injuries, an inquest heard.

Mr Gordon, 34, of Acre View, Stacksteads, visited his parents' house in Hindle Street, Bacup, at 8pm, on Saturday, October 21.

Five days later, on Thursday, October 26, his ventilation unit was switched off and he died at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Mr Gordon's mother, Margaret Gordon, told East Lancashire coroner David Smith at the opening of the inquest that her son had a slight problem with an irregular heartbeat five years ago but that he was given the all clear and was not on any medication.

She said he did not suffer from illnesses and that he had told her husband when he visited their house that he was going out that evening. Mrs Gordon was visited by her son's partner Suzanne Harrison the following morning and was told Mr Gordon had been taken to Rochdale Infirmary.

She was later informed he had suffered a fractured skull and a brain haemorrhage and he was moved to the Royal Preston Hospital, where he underwent an operation and later died.

Mr Gordon, who lived with Suzanne and their six-year-old son Tom, was found lying in the street after an incident near his home.

Some months before his death he got a new job with Mania Technologies International Ltd, a printed circuit company at Carrs Industrial Estate Haslingden.

The inquest was adjourned and his funeral will take place tomorrow.

Ian Wright, 21, also of Acre View, Stacksteads, appeared in court for a second time on Tuesday accused of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. His case was adjourned until December 12.

After the inquest hearing, the man leading the inquiries into Mr Gordon's death, Detective Sergeant Steve Brunskill, said he was still awaiting the full results of the pathology report.

He said it would then be decided whether to alter the charge.