AN INQUEST will finally be held this month into a York man’s death after he suffered an epileptic seizure in supported living accommodation, more than two and a half years ago.

Danny Tozer’s parents say the hearing follows pressure from their legal representatives and letters of support from York Outer MP Julian Sturdy.

His father Tim, of Elvington, said: “We are pleased that the reasons why Danny died unexpectedly will be properly scrutinised at last – even though it is now two and a half years after the event.”

He said the coroner had also agreed to an ‘Article 2’ inquest, which meant it would examine Danny’s ‘right to life’ and the wider circumstances surrounding his death, which came a day after he suffered the fit at a house in Bishopthorpe, run by the charity Mencap.

“It will undoubtedly be very stressful for us all,” he said.

“But we do hope that the inquest will be a constructive process, to see what lessons might be learned, rather than turning into a predominantly confrontational process between legal teams trying to limit the scope and protect the reputations of the organisations involved in Danny’s care.”

The Press reported last year how an independent review, commissioned by City of York Council, had raised a series of major concerns about Danny’s death.

The review said Danny, an autistic man of 36 with a severe learning disability as well as epilepsy, had a seizure in his bedroom while the door was shut, followed by a cardiac arrest and brain damage.

It said the ‘actions’ on the morning he died were not as agreed in Danny’s support plans and he was left for longer than he should have been.

His parents said then that the review left questions unanswered which would be best dealt with through a formal coroner’s inquest, which Danny deserved.

Mr Sturdy, MP, said recently he was encouraged that the coroner would be undertaking an Article 2 inquest, but remained ‘very much mindful’ of the time it has taken to reach this stage, saying: “I first met with Mr and Mrs Tozer over two years ago, so it has been a long fight to get to here.

“Danny’s sudden death was a great shock to the family and this must be the worst thing conceivable for any parent.

“I can only imagine the many unanswered questions that have persisted for his parents and I sincerely hope that the inquest answers these meticulously.”

John Cowman, director of services at Mencap, said: “Since Daniel’s death, Mencap has co-operated fully with all external agencies as every aspect of his care has been examined.

“An inquest will open on April 17 in which we will participate fully and openly. We hope that his family get answers to all their questions.”