A man in Hampshire tragically ended his own life by decapitating himself with a chainsaw after being evicted from his home of eight years. David Phyall, 50, from Bishopstoke, was the sole remaining tenant in a block of 77 flats scheduled for demolition.
The inquest heard that Phyall, who had a history of mental health problems, was 'irrationally opposed' to leaving his property. Despite being offered 11 alternative homes by his housing association, First Wessex Housing Group, he refused all offers, leading to court proceedings and repossession.
On 5 July 2008, police broke into Phyall's flat after his elderly parents, John and Jean, raised concerns. They found the living room covered in blood, with Phyall having used a chainsaw to inflict a fatal wound. The cause of death was recorded as 'complete transaction of the neck'.
Deputy Coroner Simon Burge described the case as the most bizarre he had encountered in 15 years. He noted that Phyall had carefully planned his suicide to draw attention to what he saw as an injustice. A verdict of suicide was recorded.
Ron Turtle, chairman of Stoke Residents' Association, said Phyall had been offered several similar properties but refused to move. Anne Winstanley, then Lib Dem parish council chair, expressed sadness at the tragic outcome.
