Explosion caused Leeds Beckett University worker fatal head injuries

A Leeds Beckett University worker died from head injuries when his house exploded while he was inside, an inquest has heard.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Feb 2016, 13:25 BST
Updated 25th Feb 2016, 13:26 BST
Paul WilmottPaul Wilmott
Paul Wilmott

A coroner’s court heard that Paul Wilmott, 63, was found fully clothed in the rubble of his home, in Haxby near York, shortly after 8am last Friday.

The sound engineer had a significant injury to the top of his head and face and was pronounced dead shortly after being discovered.

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Speaking at Yorks Coroner’s Court, senior coroner Jonathan Leach said: “At around 7.30am on the February 19, there was a report of an explosion in Haxby. Police attended and found 20 Springwood, Haxby, totally demolished.”

The remains of Mr Wilmott's house in HaxbyThe remains of Mr Wilmott's house in Haxby
The remains of Mr Wilmott's house in Haxby

A post mortem found he died from a fractured skull and brain injuries.

Mr Wilmott had been with his partner, Olivia, for over nine years and had a son, Ian.

His family earlier this week described him as the “kindest, gentlest person”.

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In a statement they said: “Paul had worked for many years at Leeds Beckett University as the specialist sound engineer with the video production unit. He had been a volunteer with York Hospital Radio since he was a young man.”

His inquest will resume later in the year.