An inquest into Simon Maud's death heard that a crew from the East of England Ambulance Service went to his home in Blakeney, near Holt, on September 2, 2023.

It was after his partner of 25 years, Mark Mitson, had called 999 to report that his boyfriend was "short of breath".

When the crew arrived that afternoon, they assessed Mr Maud, who was sitting upright in bed, and found a rash on his leg that looked infected.

Simon Maud (Image: Simon Maud's family)

They suggested Mr Maud should be taken to hospital, but he refused.

Mr Mitson then showed the paramedics a health record that stated Mr Maud had "alcohol-induced brain damage" - which he thought meant his boyfriend did not have the "capacity" to refuse treatment.

But ambulance crews speaking at the inquest said that they believed Mr Maud did have capacity as he responded to them and was able to answer questions. They described him as the “calmest person in the room”.

They continued to explain that people have the right to make what they would consider an "unwise decision" and instead of taking him to hospital they arranged for medics to check in on him the next day.........

© Norwich Evening News