Patient 'died in struggle'

A CONVICTED rapist died in a struggle with staff after swearing at a female nurse in a top security hospital, an inquest in Nottingham was told yesterday.

Two doctors said post-mortem examinations showed that Bryan Marsh, 42, suffered severe bruising on the neck and chest from an arm-lock. The staff deny using an arm-lock.

The patient suffered a heart attack after being 'restrained' by about 20 wardens, the inquest heard. Marsh, an inmate for 12 years, died in May 1992.

The staff were called in after Marsh was abusive to a female nurse at Rampton Hospital near Retford, Nottinghamshire. Five staff had faced manslaughter and conspiracy charges but they were thrown out by magistrates last year.

A patient, Sidney King, said a charge nurse, Terry Ashwell, lifted Marsh out of his chair and put his arm around his neck. Three other nurses pinned him to the floor. Mr Ashwell said: 'I didn't put my arm around his neck.'

The inquest continues.