A MAN with learning difficulties died after suffering several fractured bones when he was pushed over, a coroner heard.

Patrick Theobold was staying in a residential care home in Leicester Villas, Hove, when he sustained the injuries in October.

At the opening of an inquest into the 51-year-old’s death, held at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton, coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley said it was “a very difficult and sad case where he was accidentally pushed and has fallen”.

Patrick was admitted to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on October 27 after suffering a series of injuries including a fractured humerus, rib and part of his pubic bone, coroner’s officer Arianna Palermo said.

He was treated and returned to care. But on December 17 he was found by staff to have a high temperature.

He was again taken to the hospital and treated but died four days later.

A provisional cause of death was given as bilateral bronchopneumonia with his bone fractures and learning difficulties listed as contributing factors.

A full inquest into his death will be held on May 5.