Millionaire's injuries revealed as hearing into death opens

An inquest into the death of Yorkshire philanthropist Jimi Heselden, 62, was opened and adjourned yesterday at Leeds Coroner's Court.

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, from West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, told Leeds Coroner David Hinchliff Mr Heselden's "lifeless" body was found in the area of Jackdaw Crag, near Boston Spa, Wetherby, on September 26.

Mr Taylor said a paramedic pronounced him dead at the scene and he was later formally identified by his wife, Julie.

Mr Hinchliff told the court a post-mortem examination concluded that Mr Heselden had suffered "multiple blunt force injuries of the chest and spine consistent with a fall whilst riding a gyrobike".

It is understood a Segway scooter was found close to where Mr Heselden fell, by the River Wharfe, near his Boston Spa home.

The coroner said the tycoon's body could be released to his family so a funeral could take place.

None of Mr Heselden's relatives were at the five-minute hearing and Mr Hinchliff adjourned the inquest to a date to fixed.

Mr Heselden made his fortune when his Leeds-based firm, Hesco Bastion. developed the "blast wall" basket, which protects soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, as a replacement for traditional sandbags.

Last year he led a British team which bought the Segway company, which is based in the United States and makes the two-wheeled scooters.

Mr Heselden was reported to have been worth 166m.