A PENSIONER who died six months after being attacked by a neighbour during a row over a dog, died from natural causes an inquest found.

But the widow of Charles Phillips, 77, told the Newport hearing on the Isle of Wight she believed the assault had contributed to her husband's death. Ursula Phillips said neighbour Peter Hope, convicted of assault following an incident sparked by a row over the dead man's terrier, would have to live with his conscience.

A post-mortem examination by pathologist Dr John Mikel, concluded Mr Phillips, of Ash Grove, Luccombe, suffered a fatal stomach bleeding at St Mary's Hospital last November. Mr Phillips, a retired builder, also suffered hypertension and angina and had a low blood platelet count, making him prone to severe nosebleeds.

Coroner John Matthews told the court Mr Phillips suffered extensive bruising to his face and throat and a bleeding nose during the attack by his neighbour six months before his death.

Although Mr Matthews recorded a verdict of death by natural causes, Mr Phillips's wife said she was unhappy her husband's attacker was given only a 100-hour community punishment order by a crown court judge.