Man with Down’s syndrome died from choking after being left unsupervised, inquest hears

Marcus Hanlin swallowed conkers hidden in rice, despite care plan at Bristol nursing home stating he had food issues

A man with Down’s syndrome, severe learning disabilities and poor eyesight, who died after swallowing conkers hidden in rice as part of a sensory activity at a nursing home, had been left unsupervised though staff knew he was fascinated by food, an inquest has heard.

Marcus Hanlin, 57, was on a regime at Cheddar Grove nursing home in Bristol that included him only eating pureed meals and being kept away from food preparation areas because of a risk of choking and swallowing issues.