A RETIRED motor industry director died after a fall in his bathroom, an inquest heard.

Peter Frearson, of Milton, near Didcot, fell over on April 18 after going to use the toilet.

The 81-year-old was admitted to the John Radcliffe Hospital two days later, Oxford Coroner's Court was told yesterday.

Consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon Stephen Gwilym said in a statement that Mr Frearson, of Sutton Road, who lived with his wife Ramona, had suffered multiple rib fractures and a spinal fracture.

Mr Gwilym told the inquest that on April 26, Mr Frearson was finding it difficult to breathe and it was afterwards concluded that he had suffered a stroke. His condition deteriorated on May 1 and he died the following day.

The cause of death, according to Dr Robert Miller, was pneumonia, lung contusions, a stroke and congestive cardiac failure.

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter said after Mr Frearson suffered the fall at home he "soldiered on" despite his injuries before being admitted to hospital on April 20.

He added: "His condition was initially stable but it subsequently declined."

Mr Salter recorded that Mr Frearson died as a result of an accident.