A CORONER has returned an open verdict on a teenager who was left severely brain damaged after he was struck by a single blow.

Carl Randall, 16, of Ellesmere Walk, Middlesbrough, was punched in the face, suffering a blood clot on the brain, and died in hospital 18 months later.

Andrew McGinn, 19, of Birkhall Road, Middlesbrough, was arrested by police and charged with grievous bodily harm, but cleared by a jury at Teesside Crown Court in February last year.

Hartlepool Coroner Malcolm Donnelly said he was satisfied that on the basis of the evidence available, there was a high degree of probability that Carl had died as a result of the punch he received from Mr McGinn.

But he said that as a jury had cleared Mr McGinn on the same evidence and, on the basis that there was reasonable doubt, he was unable to return a verdict of unlawful killing.

Mr Donnelly said that under section 16 of the Coroners' Act 1988, he was unable to return a verdict that would be inconsistent with the outcome of relevant criminal proceedings at a higher court.

The inquest, at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court, heard that Mr McGinn punched Carl to the right side of his head with a clenched fist.

The blow did not cause any visible injuries and was not enough to knock him to the ground.

He was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where a blood clot on the brain, which required immediate treatment, was diagnosed.

Mr McGinn was arrested by police and admitted having punched Carl but, on being charged, denied grievous bodily harm.

No independent witnesses saw the assault.

Carl, who was never able to speak to police, was left severely brain-damaged and required constant medical attention and, after a period in a nursing home in Peterlee, died in hospital on January 11.