Copyright dailystar
In a shocking act of protest, a man tragically ended his life by decapitating himself after being evicted from his home. David Phyall's 1960s residence was marked for demolition, but after eight years of living there, he was adamant that he wouldn't be forced out. The 50-year old, from a peaceful Hampshire village, had a history of mental health issues and was considered "vulnerable". He had previously attempted suicide before ultimately taking his own life in his home. On the day of his tragic suicide, it was reported David was "irrationally opposed" to the perceived "injustice" of having to leave his repossessed home in Bishopstoke in 2008. Central Hampshire deputy coroner Simon Burge commented on the case, saying: "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 consumed a small amount of alcohol before using a chainsaw to end his life. His lounge was found splattered with blood, covering the floors, walls and furniture, after his parents raised concerns. David's elderly parents, John and Jean, alerted the police when they were unable to reach their son at his ground floor housing association flat. The police were summoned and forcefully entered David's home, asking his parents to remain outside. The cause of David's death was described as a "complete transaction of the neck" and "chainsaw wound to the neck." A spokesperson for the ambulance service reported: "We were called to an address in Bishopstoke to reports of a 'concerns for welfare'. A rapid response vehicle attended and a search found a patient had sustained serious injuries." Sergeant Mark Carter recounted the horrifying scene he discovered on July 5, finding David in his living room. Coroner Simon Burge expressed sympathy, saying to the officer: "It must have been a huge shock to you." Sgt Carter responded: "In some ways it was sir." The inquest revealed David had staunchly resisted the demolition of his flat. Despite significant efforts from his housing association, he had turned down 11 offers of alternative accommodation, leading to court proceedings for repossession. David remained defiant, refusing to vacate his home. He was the sole resident in a block of 77 flats, with all other occupants having moved out and boarded up their properties. Concluding the inquest with a verdict of suicide, Burge stated that 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, said that a single tenant remained, believed to be a disabled man renting a ground-floor flat from Atlantic Housing, noting: "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, then chairman of Bishopstoke Parish Council, reflected: "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." If you or someone you know needs emotional support, you can reach out to the Samaritans on their 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans. org, visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website.
