Inquest told police used CS Gas

Police used CS Gas in the house

The inquest into the death of Leeds man who had been sprayed in the face with CS Gas by police has been told he had serious heart problems.

Eric Smith, 53, of Holforth Place in Armley, died three days after police officers used the gas in his home as they checked on the bail conditions of his son, Dean.

The court has been told that Mr Smith, a diabetic, got into an argument with the three police officers attending his property, and the CS Gas was used in the small confines of the kitchen from a distance of four feet.

Now a jury at the inquest in Wakefield has to decide whether or not Mr Smith's heart attack and death were as a result of the use of the gas.

A pathologist has told the inquest Mr Smith had hardening of the arteries and "was a heart attack in the making."

But Dr Nathaniel Carey said in evidence that the CS Gas had "been an important factor in bringing on the fatal heart attack".

The court has also been told Mr Smith's anger may have been a trigger in bringing on the heart attack.

The hearing continues.