Man choked to death on croissant at his care home

A non-verbal man at "life-threatening risk" of choking died after a croissant got lodged in his throat at a care home, an inquest found.

Paul Spearing, 41, suffered a brain injury after being starved of oxygen by the pastry at Essex Care Consortium in Birch, near Colchester.

Despite frantic efforts to save him by members of staff, the "deeply-loved" son died in hospital days later on 15 November 2023.

Jurors at Essex Coroner's Court said "the damage was catastrophic and irreversible" as they concluded Spearing's death was caused by misadventure.

"The preparation, content and consistency of the meal he was served was inappropriate and unsuitable for Mr Spearing," the jury foreperson said at the end of the eight-day inquest.

The jury also found shortfalls in staff training and said the absence of an emergency alarm caused delays in Spearing being helped.

"Paul was let down in the time leading up to his death," his parents, Peter and Susan Spearing, said after the inquest.

He lived at the care home for more than 20 years, having moved in after leaving the former Windsor Special School in Clacton-on-Sea.

The aeroplane enthusiast had learning disabilities, autism, cerebellar ataxia and dysphagia.

"The risk of choking was life-threatening and he needed full assistance for his activities of daily living," said area coroner Sonia Hayes.

Spearing was being spoon-fed the croissant by his carer at about 09:30 GMT on 12 November 2023 when he started choking.

It had been moistened by milk and cut into 1.5cm by 1.5cm chunks to help him swallow it.

"He thought Paul was choking as soon as he heard a strange noise that Paul had never made before," Hayes said of the carer.

Spearing was slapped on the back, but it was "impossible" to administer abdominal thrusts to him as he was on the floor, the inquest heard.

Other members of staff rushed in to help Spearing before he was taken to Colchester Hospital in a critical condition. He died there three days later.

Spearing's cause of death was given as cerebellar herniation, cerebral oedema, choking and cerebellar ataxia.

His parents described him as "a truly special and deeply loved man" as the inquest concluded.

"Paul brought so much love and happiness to our lives and not a day goes by when we do not think about him," they said.

"We will always treasure the memories we shared with Paul and the happiness he brought to our family."

Sarah Westoby, a human rights solicitor from Leigh Day, said Paul's parents showed "unwavering" determination to pursue answers for their son.

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