After more than 4 years, the inquest into the death of a Ventnor man, who died after being hit by a car back in February 2022, has resumed at the Isle of Wight Coroners Court, where initial evidence has begun to be heard.
The inquest into the death of 61-year-old Alister Carter was opened on 22nd March 2022 and resumed at the Isle of Wight Coroners Court earlier today (Monday).
As previously reported by Island Echo, Carter died at St Mary’s Hospital following a collision with a Range Rover on Horsebridge Hill on 24th February 2022.
Today’s hearing was told that Mr Carter’s cause of death was severe traumatic injuries to the head, chest and back. This was confirmed by pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri, who carried out a post-mortem on 11th March 2022.
The first witness to give evidence was Mr Simon Pressey, who lived in the same house of multiple occupancy as Carter in Ventnor at the time.
Mr Pressey told the court that he and Mr Carter ‘got on well’ and described him as a ‘nice man’, adding that they would often enjoy a beer together after work.
When questioned by HM Senior Coroner Caroline Sumeray about Mr Carter’s drinking habits, Mr Pressey said he would sometimes drink ‘all day long’ and that his preferred drink was strong lager. He added that Carter would also use cannabis when another tenant was present and that, overall, the pair got on well.
The court heard that in the early hours of 24th February, an incident occurred at the High Street property in Ventnor involving both men.
Alister Carter, dressed in a T-shirt and boxer shorts, went to Mr Pressey’s door and asked if he wanted to engage in sexual activity. After being told to leave, Carter removed his underwear and continued banging on the door while performing lewd acts. The incident caused significant damage to the door, the court heard.
Police were called and Carter was arrested before being taken to Newport Police Station.
Mr Pressey stressed that he and Carter had never been involved in any form of sexual relationship.
A statement from the arresting Police Constable was read to the court, confirming Mr Carter was detained on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a controlled drug.
While in custody, the court heard Carter continued to behave in a sexualised manner and at one point put his head into the cell toilet.
Officers subsequently detained Carter under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983. He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital for assessment amid fears he may have a urinary infection before being transferred into the care of mental health professionals at Sevenacres.
The inquest is expected to hear from further medical professionals, eyewitnesses and the driver involved in the collision over the coming days.
Proceedings, which are expected to last at least 3 days, continue.
