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A man met a horrific end by cutting off his head with a chainsaw when facing eviction. David Phyall's 1960s home was scheduled for demolition, but after living there for eight years, he refused to go. The 50-year-old, from a tranquil Hampshire village, had a background of mental health issues. He was characterised as "vulnerable" and had previously tried to take his own life before his final act in his residence. On the day he died, he was "irrationally opposed" to the "injustice" of leaving his repossessed property in Bishopstoke. Deputy coroner Simon Burge said: "In the 15 years I have been sitting as a deputy coroner, this is the most bizarre case I can recall," reports the Express . He had consumed a modest amount of alcohol before using the chainsaw to take his life. Officers found his sitting room drenched in blood, covering the floors, walls and cabinet. David's elderly mother and father, John and Jean, contacted police when they were unable to reach their son in his ground floor housing association flat. Police forced entry while telling the parents to stay outside. David's probable cause of death was described as a "complete transaction of the neck" and "chainsaw wound to the neck." An ambulance service spokesman 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 said he discovered David in his lounge on July 5 in 2008. Coroner Simon Burge said to the officer: "It must have been a huge shock to you." Sgt Carter replied: "In some ways it was, sir." The inquest heard that David had fiercely resisted the demolition of his flat. He turned down 11 offers of alternative accommodation from his housing association. The matter went to court and his property was to be repossessed. David had refused to leave and was the sole resident in the block of 77, with everyone else having departed and boarded up their properties. Recording a verdict of suicide, Burge said First Wessex Housing Group had done everything possible to assist David 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." For emotional support you can ring the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans. org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
