A MAN died as a result of injuries he received 21 years ago in a road accident, an inquest heard yesterday.
Neil Graham Brooke suffered brain damage and permanent disability after his motorcycle hit a stationary lorry parked without lights on the brow of a hill on South Parade, Cleckheaton, on October 5, 1982.
The inquest heard that Mr Brooke, who was 40 when he died, spent six months in hospital following the accident.
He made very slow progress and needed constant nursing care. After he left hospital he was cared for by his parents until they died.
He then lived in a flat in Westcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, and received daily care from social services.
Mr Brooke was found dead in the bedroom of his flat on Monday October 27 after a care worked called and was unable to get in.
His brother David was called and a locksmith got into the house.
Pathologist Dr Beverley Cadman said Mr Brooke's death was due to bronchial pneumonia caused directly by his impaired mobility, which in turn was caused by the brain injuries he received in the accident.
David said his brother had had a promising future and had been attending an advanced mechanics' course at Dewsbury College when his accident happened.
He said his brother's life had been destroyed by the accident.
Kirklees coroner Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict of accidental death.
