A KIDDERMINSTER man died from a chest infection due to chronic immobility caused by a fractured skull suffered after a stone was thrown at his head when he was 13 years old, the county's coroner's court heard.

A metal plate had been inserted into the head of Myles O'Meara and later removed. As a result, the 77-year-old was prone to headaches, said Worcestershire coroner, Victor Round, on Tuesday last week.

He added that Mr O'Meara, of Brookdale Nursing Home, had a life of immobility and was looked after by his wife, Sybil. After she suffered a stroke and was admitted to hospital, however, he went into a nursing home.

"Dr Richard Davies explained that because of his skull fracture, he had a life-long susceptibility to infections," Mr Round said.

Mr Round recorded an open verdict.