Dog's fatal attack on owner

Mr Dinham's injuries were described as "very severe"

A London man was killed by his own dog as he suffered an epileptic fit, an inquest has found.

Window cleaner George Dinham, 47, was found covered in blood and dog bites on the floor of his flat in Wandle Way, Earlsfield on 8 May.

He had taken the day off work because he did not feel well, Westminster Coroner's Court was told on Tuesday.

But he was found lying dead by his brother Fred when he returned to the flat at 2345 BST.

Pathologist Kenneth Shorrock found Mr Dinham's throat had several deep bites, which severed the main blood vessel to the brain and his windpipe.

The victim's brother told the inquest the dog, Ben, was "perfectly safe" inside the flat, but had to be kept on a lead outside.

The animal's natural reaction of defence would be to attack

Pc Peter Tallack

Expert police dog handler Pc Peter Tallack said the dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, was a loyal and friendly breed but would have been startled by the fit.

The pathologist told him the human body gives off adrenaline when it goes into shock and dogs' reactions to adrenaline are unpredictable.

Pc Tallack said: "By the adrenaline given off, the dog would go back to its natural instinct and feel threatened.

"The animal's natural reaction of defence would be to attack."

Police ruled out an intruder attack as the victim's brother found the flat was still triple locked on his return.

Death by violent act of dog

Coroner Dr Paul Knapman described as a "terrible tragedy for all concerned".

He said: "It is likely that George Dinham, alone with his dog, had an epileptic fit.

"Maybe he trapped or startled the dog. His dog attacked him by the throat causing his death.

"Because of these facts I take the unusual step of recording as a verdict that he died as a result of a violent act by a dog."

The dog has since been destroyed.