AN elderly cyclist who was left permanently brain damaged following a road accident died two years later as a result of his injuries, an inquest found today.

Retired engineer Ralph Williams, 76, from Blackwood, was riding a pedal bike when he was involved in an accident on Mountain Road in Gelligaer in July 2013.

Despite several operations on his skull Mr Williams, of Glan-Yr-Afon nursing home in Blackwood, was left permanently brain damaged.

On October 2 this year, more than two years after his accident, Mr Williams was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital with breathlessness and was told he had pneumonia.

He later died on October 5.

The inquest into his death took place today by Gwent coroner David Bowen.

Detective Constable Jon Lewis, coroner officer for Gwent Police, gave evidence to the inquest.

He said the driver involved in the road accident had appeared at Cwmbran Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

He was later fined.

Dr Claire Davies carried out a post mortem on Mr Williams’ body at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

She found his cause of death to be pneumonia with a secondary cause of traumatic brain injury.

Coroner Mr Bowen said: “I’m satisfied to the identity, the deceased was Mr Ralph Williams.

“Although it occurred two or so years ago, Mr Williams was involved in a road traffic accident and the injuries he sustained were the underlying cause of his death.

“The proper conclusion is he died as a result of an RTC.”