A Hampshire man took his own life in a horrific manner after a protracted battle to avoid being evicted from his home, an inquest has heard.
A Desperate and Bizarre Act
David Phyall, a 50-year-old man from Bishopstoke, Hampshire, died by suicide on 5 July 2008. He used a chainsaw to decapitate himself inside the ground-floor housing association flat he had lived in for eight years. Central Hampshire deputy coroner Simon Burge stated this was the most bizarre case he had encountered in 15 years.
Phyall, who had a history of mental health problems and a previous suicide attempt, was described as being "irrationally opposed" to moving. His property, part of a 1960s block, was earmarked for demolition. Despite considerable efforts from his landlord, First Wessex Housing Group, he rejected 11 offers of alternative accommodation.
The Final Stand and Tragic Discovery
By the time of his death, Phyall was the sole remaining resident in a block of 77 flats, with all others vacated and boarded up. Court proceedings had been initiated, and the repossession of his flat was imminent.
His elderly parents, John and Jean, grew worried when they could not contact him and alerted the police. Officers forced entry into the property on Bishopstoke's Claremont Road, instructing the parents to wait outside. They discovered Phyall's body in the living room, which was awash with blood. Sergeant Mark Carter confirmed the scene was a huge shock.
The post-mortem examination recorded the cause of death as a "complete transaction of the neck" and "chainsaw wound to the neck." A small amount of alcohol was found in his system.
Coroner's Verdict and Community Reaction
Concluding a verdict of suicide, Coroner Simon Burge said: "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."
He also stated that the housing association had done everything possible to assist Phyall. Local officials expressed their sadness. Ron Turtle, chairman of Stoke Residents' Association, confirmed negotiations for alternative housing had been ongoing. Anne Winstanley, then Lib Dem Bishopstoke Parish Council chairman, called the outcome "very tragic."
