Man dies after fall at worksite in Bournemouth town centre

Frederick Barrie Dunbavin, who suffered from periods of confusion, fell onto a concrete path that runs to the rear of the St Stephen’s church hall on December 8. 

The 75-year-old suffered multiple injuries as a result of the fall and was taken to Poole Hospital where he later died. 

Dorset coroner Brendan Allen said in a report that a police investigation revealed there is a low wooden fence separating the wooded area from the Braidley Road car park at the Treetops apartment complex.

The man fell behind St Stephen's church hall (Image: Daily Echo)

However, there is a gap in the fence, allowing easy access to the woodland, and no barrier between the wooded area and the drop onto the path that runs to the rear of the church hall, Mr Allen said. 

Work was being done on the church hall in St Stephen’s Way off Braidley Road by Seascape Homes and Property – a company owned by BCP Council. 

During the inquest, evidence was heard that “there is no barrier between the edge of wooded area and the pathway that runs to the rear of the church hall”.  

Additionally, the inquest heard that there is “no signage to warn that there is a dangerous drop from the edge of the wooded area onto the path below”. 

In his report, Mr Allen said: “Mr Dunbavin sustained multiple injuries following a fall from the wooded area at the Treetops Apartment complex, having accessed the wooded area from the parking area. 

“There was nothing that prevented him from accessing this area or warning him of the drop from the wooded area.  

“I understand that no changes have been made subsequent to Mr Dunbavin’s death.  

“Therefore, there remains a risk that access can be easily gained to this area, with a risk of life-threatening injuries should anyone fall from the wooded area to the path below. “ 

Mr Allen concluded the cause of death for Mr Dunbavin was as a consequence of an accident. 

Seascape has been given until September 17 to respond to the coroner’s concerns. 

Dorset Police said there was no investigation into the death as it was not treated as suspicious.

Janie Berry, director of law and governance and monitoring officer at BCP Council, said: “We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr Frederick Dunbavin.

“Seascape has been served with a 'prevention of future deaths notice' and has until mid-September to formally advise the coroner if they intend to take any action or not along with reasoning.

“Please note that Seascape is a separate legal entity from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.”