A HAMPSHIRE disabled man died after turning himself into a human fireball to prove a point, an inquest has heard.
The court in Winchester heard that 43-year-old Michael Toye doused himself in white spirit and set fire to himself at his home in Simmons Close, Hedge End.
The incident happened after Mr Toye had a drunken discussion with his friend 18-year-old Paul Deacon in which he argued that white spirit was not flammable.
Mr Toye suffered from serious burns to his chest, thighs and arms and died six days later in Odstock Hospital, Salisbury.
The coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict of misadventure and said he believed that Mr Toye did not know the consequences of his actions on April 12 last year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article