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Bullied Hattersley man David Askew was unlawfully killed Bullied Hattersley man David Askew was unlawfully killed
(about 1 hour later)
A man with learning disabilities subjected to 30 years of "torment" by people was unlawfully killed, an inquest has ruled. A man with learning disabilities who was subjected to 30 years of "torment" was unlawfully killed, an inquest ruled.
David Askew, 64, was found dead outside his house in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, in March 2010.David Askew, 64, was found dead outside his house in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, in March 2010.
A pathologist earlier told the inquest an altercation with youths 10 minutes before he collapsed had been a factor in his death.A pathologist earlier told the inquest an altercation with youths 10 minutes before he collapsed had been a factor in his death.
South Manchester coroner John Pollard ruled Mr Askew was unlawfully killed.South Manchester coroner John Pollard ruled Mr Askew was unlawfully killed.
Pathologist Dr Charles Wilson told the coroner Mr Askew suffered from ischemic heart disease which meant not enough blood got to his heart. Mr Pollard said there was a "staggering degree of inertia and complacency" shown by police, the council and housing associations in dealing with the anti-social behaviour towards Mr Askew.
Mr Askew also had cancer of the oesophagus. Heart disease
'Weakened heart' "The fact that there is 38 separate offences reported against this family within a three-year period shows the appalling way in which this element of feral youths can bring misery to a decent, vulnerable family," he said.
He said the adrenalin released by the altercation with the youths would have made his heart beat faster, and in turn this could cause heart failure in an already weakened heart. Pathologist Dr Charles Wilson told the coroner Mr Askew suffered from ischemic heart disease, which meant not enough blood got to his heart.
Mr Wilson said that in his opinion the altercation was a "precipitate" factor in Mr Askew's death. He was also suffering from cancer of the oesophagus.
Mr Wilson said the adrenalin released by the altercation with the youths would have made his heart beat faster, and in turn this could cause heart failure in an already weakened heart.
On the inquest's opening day, Mr Askew's 90-year-old mother, Lizzie, said her son had suffered years of abuse at the hands of local youths.On the inquest's opening day, Mr Askew's 90-year-old mother, Lizzie, said her son had suffered years of abuse at the hands of local youths.
She had said: "The long-suffering torment contributed to his death. Sticks and stones
"I can't prove it scientifically but I know it in my heart it to be true." She had said: "The long-suffering torment contributed to his death. I can't prove it scientifically but I know it in my heart it to be true."
Mrs Askew said her son had sticks and stones thrown at him and was called "lunatic".Mrs Askew said her son had sticks and stones thrown at him and was called "lunatic".
She said tomatoes and eggs had been thrown at the windows of his home, and on the night he died he had to pick up newspapers thrown around his garden.She said tomatoes and eggs had been thrown at the windows of his home, and on the night he died he had to pick up newspapers thrown around his garden.
A spokesman for Tameside Council acknowledged all agencies within the borough needed to work "more closely" together.
"[We need] to identify vulnerable people within our communities, and ensure that we are effective in protecting them from harassment and hate crime," he said.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We have learned our lessons and made significant improvements to the way we deal with these crimes."