A JOBLESS scrap metal dealer died from a ruptured spleen four days after being attacked with a metal pole, an inquest was told.

John Stoiles, 53, was found dead at his home in Ashley Street, Burnley, on September 26 by his son Gary John Duffy.

Mr Duffy, of Escott Gardens, said he became aware on September 23 that his father, an unemployed scrap metal dealer, had been involved in a fight in the Duke Bar area and taken to Burnley General Hospital.

He went to the hospital, but his father had left before being X-rayed.

Mr Duffy said he went to his home and was told by his father that he was with a friend, Tommy Fegan, when he was attacked by a man and woman.

"He told me he was struck with a metal pole to the ribs and head and that the woman had punched and bit him,'' said Mr Duffy.

His father complained about pains to his chest. He and his mother tried to persuade him to return to the hospital, but he refused.

The following day they took him to the hospital. He again mentioned pains in his chest. When he was taken home following an X-ray he was still in pain. On the Friday he was still in pain and refused some tea. He took painkillers prescribed by the hospital.

Mr Duffy returned at about 11pm. The door was unlocked and he found his father in bed in terrible agony.

He left, locking the door and posting the keys through the letterbox.

The next morning he returned and let himself in with his mother's keys. He found his father slumped at the bottom of the stairs.

Home Office pathologist Dr John Rutherford said a post mortem examination revealed that Mr Stoiles' spleen was lacerated in two places due to the blunt force trauma of considerable magnitude. He also had several fractured ribs and a trauma on the left arm consistent with a bite. He said the cause of death was traumatic rupture of the spleen.

He said a soft tissue injury like a rupture of the spleen would not necessarily be seen on an X-ray.

Det Insp Ron Griffiths said a major police investigation had been carried out as a result of which two people had been charged with murder. They are due to be committed to Preston Crown Court in two week's time.

Adjourning the inquest, East Lancashire Coroner David Smith expressed sympathy to Mr Stoiles' family.

He said if they were concerned about events on the medical side they should consult a solicitor.

"I am not saying there was anything wrong at the hospital. If there are any issues arising from the medical situation you should consult a solicitor and discuss it with him.''

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