A 102-year-old man with dementia died nearly two weeks after an incident at a pub where he was allegedly pushed, an inquest has been told. Philip Ormerod, of Cwmbran, Torfaen, was hospitalized in critical condition following an event at the Crows Nest pub on August 1.
Ormerod, a former design engineer, reportedly went onto a stage in the pub to complain about the music's volume. A 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains on bail.
The senior coroner, Caroline Saunders, stated that Ormerod sustained a fall after an allegation he was pushed. He was taken to the Grange hospital with a fractured hip. His condition deteriorated, and he died on August 12.
The coroner noted that police are investigating Ormerod's death, and a forensic post-mortem examination has been conducted. The inquest has been opened but adjourned pending the outcome of the police investigation. If a criminal prosecution occurs, the inquest will not resume. Otherwise, it is scheduled to reconvene on May 26, 2027, to reach a conclusion.
Ormerod's son, Robert, described his father as a "pub character" and expressed a desire for justice. Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Comley, the senior investigating officer for Gwent Police, confirmed that the criminal investigation is ongoing and urged the public to consider the impact of inaccurate or speculative comments, particularly online.
Police are seeking anyone who was at the Crows Nest pub between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. BST on the night of the incident to come forward.