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A man died in an horrific act of protest after he used a chainsaw to decapitate himself, following his eviction from his home. David Phyall's 1960s property had been marked for demolition, but after eight years of living there, the 50-year-old from a quiet Hampshire village was adamant he wouldn't leave. Described as "vulnerable" with a history of mental health issues, David had previously attempted to take his own life before the tragic incident at his Bishopstoke home in 2008. On the day of his death, it was reported that David was "irrationally opposed" to what he perceived as the "injustice" of being forced from his repossessed property. Central Hampshire deputy coroner Simon Burge stated: "In the 15 years I have been sitting as a deputy coroner, this is the most bizarre case I can recall.", reports the Express . The 50 year old had drunk a small amount of alcohol before using the chainsaw to end his life. Officers discovered his lounge covered in blood - splattered across the floors, walls and cabinet - after his parents raised concerns. David's elderly mum and dad, John and Jean, contacted police when they couldn't reach their son at his ground floor housing association flat. Officers forced entry to the property, instructing the parents to remain outside. David's probable cause of death was recorded as a "complete transaction of the neck" and "chainsaw wound to the neck." A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "We were called to an address in Bishopstoke to reports to a 'concerns for welfare'. A rapid response vehicle attended and a search found a patient had sustained serious injuries." Sergeant Mark Carter told the hearing he discovered David in a bloodied and horrific state in his living room on July 5. Coroner Simon Burge asked the officer: "It must have been a huge shock to you." Sgt Carter responded: "In some ways it was sir." The inquest was told that David had strongly resisted the demolition of his flat and despite significant attempts from his housing association, he had turned down 11 offers of alternative accommodation. The matter proceeded to court and his property was due to be repossessed. David had declined to leave and was the sole remaining resident in the block of 77, with everyone else having departed and secured their properties. Recording a verdict of suicide , Burge stated First Wessex Housing Group had done everything possible to assist Phyall but he was "irrationally opposed to moving". Coroner Burge added: "It is an appalling way to take one's life but that is what happened in this case. He thought through how he was going to commit suicide very carefully. He went to a great deal of trouble. I think he did it to draw attention to the injustice of his situation." Ron Turtle, chairman of the Stoke Residents' Association, revealed there was one tenant left whom he believed to be a disabled man who rented a ground-floor flat from Atlantic Housing. He added: "They had offered him several places that were similar but he just didn't want to move. In the end they had to go to court." Anne Winstanley, who was the Lib Dem Bishopstoke Parish Council chairman at the time, said: "The last I heard they were still negotiating with him to try to provide what he required to move into as an alternative. It sounds very tragic for whatever the reason he met his death." For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans. org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
