Man, 102, with dementia died after being pushed in pub, inquest told

A 102‑year‑old man with dementia died after being pushed in a pub, an inquest has heard. Philip Ormerod, of Cwmbran in Torfaen, was taken to hospital in a critical condition following an incident at the Crows Nest pub on 1 August. He had been visiting the pub for a drink when he went onto the stage to complain about the volume of the music. A 56‑year‑old man from Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm and remains on bail while the investigation continues. Senior coroner Caroline Saunders told the hearing that Ormerod “sustained a fall at the pub”, adding that it happened “following an allegation that he was pushed”. The inquest heard that he was taken to Grange hospital with a fractured hip, however his condition deteriorated and he died on 12 August. Saunders said Ormerod’s death was being investigated by police and that a forensic post mortem examination had taken place. An inquest was opened but adjourned while a police probe is carried out. The coroner noted that the inquest would not be resumed if there was a criminal prosecution, however should there be a request for a conclusion, it would take place on 26 May 2027. Philip Ormerod’s son, Robert, previously described his father as a “pub character” and said he wanted justice for him. Following Ormerod’s death, Det Ch Insp Shelley Comley, senior investigating officer for Gwent Police, said a criminal probe is ongoing and urged the public to “consider the impact that inaccurate or speculative comments” including “online commentary” could have. Police are asking anyone who was at the Crows Nest pub between 22:00 and 23:00 BST on the night of the incident to come forward.