Dayo Ade Olusola|M10news|Crime|5 November, 2025
A man tragically ended his own life after resisting eviction from his home, in what authorities described as a carefully planned act.
David Phyall, 50, lived in a 1960s housing association property in Bishopstoke, Hampshire, which was scheduled for demolition. After residing there for eight years, he refused multiple offers of alternative accommodation.
Background and Mental Health
Authorities said Phyall had a history of mental health issues and was considered “vulnerable.” He had previously attempted to take his own life. On the day of his death, he reportedly acted in defiance of what he perceived as an “injustice” regarding the repossession of his property.
Central Hampshire deputy coroner Simon Burge described the case as “the most bizarre” he had encountered in his 15 years in the role, noting the extreme nature of Phyall’s actions.
Events Leading to Death
On July 5, emergency services were called after Phyall’s parents, John and Jean, were unable to reach him. Police forced entry to the ground-floor flat while the family waited outside.
Officers discovered Phyall had died from a chainsaw injury to the neck. An ambulance service spokesperson said they were called to a welfare concern at the address. Sgt Mark Carter, who attended the scene, described the discovery as shocking.
Eviction and Housing Context
The inquest heard that Phyall had refused 11 separate offers of alternative accommodation. He was the last remaining resident in a block of 77 flats, all other units having been vacated and boarded up.
First Wessex Housing Group, which managed the property, said it had made considerable efforts to help Phyall relocate, but he remained opposed to moving.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Coroner Burge stated: “It is an appalling way to take one’s life but that is what happened in this case. He thought through how he was going to commit suicide very carefully. He went to a great deal of trouble. I think he did it to draw attention to the injustice of his situation.”
Community Response
Ron Turtle, chairman of the Stoke Residents’ Association, noted that Phyall was not the only tenant who had been offered alternative housing but emphasized that he had repeatedly declined to move.
Anne Winstanley, former Lib Dem Bishopstoke Parish Council chairman, described ongoing negotiations to accommodate Phyall before the tragic incident, calling it a “very tragic” outcome.
Authorities and community representatives have highlighted the case as a reminder of the importance of mental health support in situations involving housing disputes.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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