A HEREFORDSHIRE man was found dead on his bed with a knife protruding from his stomach, an inquest heard.

A post mortem on the body of Ian David Malcolm of Lydebrook Bungalows, Whitney-on-Wye, a few days after his death in August 2002 revealed he died from the self-inflicted wound with aschemic heart disease as a contributory factor.

Home office forensic pathologist, Dr Edmund Tapp told how 68 year-old Mr Malcolm's wife had recently died, and he had been suffering with abdominal pain and aschemic heart disease.

"Sometimes heart pain can be felt in the abdomen rather than the chest," Dr Tapp explained.

The post mortem also revealed a potentially fatal dose of Tramadol (a narcotic prescribed to relieve severe abdominal pain) and Prozac in his system.

Mr Malcolm had previously taken an overdose of 60 paracetamol tablets at the beginning of 2002 before he was admitted to the Stonebow Unit for assessment.

Medical tests

A report from Dr Broughton at the unit revealed Mr Malcolm stated that he had regretted the overdose, there was no evidence of depression or suicidal tendencies and he was discharged on February 11 2002.

The inquest heard of the pain Mr Malcolm had suffered and although he underwent extensive medical tests during the last six months of his life no abnormalities were found.

While clearing Mr Malcolm's possessions his family discovered he had downloaded information on pancreatic cancer and they believe he thought he was suffering with the disease.

Coroner, David Halpern said: "We know that Mr Malcolm was depressed by the fairly recent death of his wife and he was also extremely concerned about the abdominal pains that he had for some time.

"Despite a number of medical investigations it did not seem to turn up any reason for these pains.

"Most people that stab themselves with the intention of killing themselves do so through the chest wall," Mr Halpern added.

"Obviously it is very much in my mind that he did intend to take his own life but I have to be certain beyond doubt and given the evidence I am not absolutely convinced that was what he wanted to do."

Mr Halpern recorded an open verdict.