Man stabbed himself to death trying to separate frozen burgers

A man accidentally stabbed himself to death when he tried to separate two frozen burgers with a knife, an inquest has heard. 

Barry Griffiths, 57, died in his flat in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales, after knifing himself in the stomach in July last year when preparing the burger meal. 

His body was not discovered until several days later with Mr Griffiths being found fully clothed on his bed at his supported living accommodation where he lived alone. 

A trail of blood in the hallway, bathroom and bedroom, had initially left detectives baffled. 

It was not until a post-mortem examination revealed Mr Griffiths, who had restricted use of one arm after suffering a stroke, died of a stab wound that they pieced together what was the cause of the tragedy. 

Detective chief inspector Jonathan Rees told Pontypridd coroner's court on Monday: 'My thought process favoured the wound had been caused by an accident solely involving Mr Griffiths. 

'The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward in a position to access food items.

'On the work surface in the kitchen adjacent to the fridge freezer were two uncooked burgers, a knife and a tea towel.

'The wound to the abdomen would have been approximately the height of the work surface. My hypothesis at that stage was that Mr Griffiths was attempting to separate frozen burgers using a knife.'

Concerns had been raised about Mr Griffiths' welfare after he had not been seen for more than a week, the inquest was told.

Mr Griffiths, who was described as a 'very private man', was found fully clothed with his mobile phone, wallet, and computer nearby, reported the Western Telegraph. 

Detective Sergeant Stephen Vaughan attended the flat and said he was satisfied that his death was not suicide but 'more of an unexplained death'.

There was no indication that he had been assaulted, he told the inquest.

Area coroner Patricia Morgan concluded that Mr Griffiths most likely died from an accident while preparing frozen food for cooking. 

She said: 'I appreciate the evidence is difficult to hear and traumatic.

'Thank you for your patience while the investigation was ongoing. I express my condolences at this difficult time.'