A PENSIONER with dementia fell to his death because of rules designed to preserve his freedom.

Charles Clack, 84, fell down the stairs at St Mary's care home, Vicarage Road, Bexley Village, in February.

An inquest at Croydon Coroner's Court heard Mr Clack had complete memory loss and suffered from Parkinson's Disease.

Team leader at the home Lucia Mullen said Mr Clack, who had suffered numerous previous falls, often came down from his room several times a night.

She said staff would encourage him to use the lift or ring the bell in his room if he wanted to go downstairs but he never remembered.

There was no way of restricting Mr Clack's movements because the National Care Standards Commission rules said residents must have free access.

Care assistant Joan Fogden said she checked on Mr Clack at 10.30pm on February 24 and he was in bed.

He was later found on the first landing having fallen down the stairs. Coroner Dr Roy Palmer recorded an accident verdict.