A MAN whose skull was fractured during a fight died of meningitis months after the incident.
But Wayne Roy Jose could have been saved if he had been referred to a neuro-surgeon, an inquest was told.
Mr Jose, 32, of John Street, Thurnscoe, was headbutted by neighbour Shane Hart, 30, in September 2004. He was seriously injured when he fell and was knocked out. Hart was jailed for manslaughter.
Mr Jose was scanned at Barnsley Hospital but was not referred to a neuro-surgeon at the Hallamshire hospital. He died in January last year.
David Jellineck, consultant neuro-surgeon at the Hallamshire, said victims of such head injuries usually develop infection but if operated on in time their lives can be saved. He said: “There was a 100 per cent chance of developing cranial infection. If patients develop any symptoms they must be admitted immediately.”
Verdict: Unlawful killing.
