Wasp sting man died for last bite of ice cream

THE former European President of Sega died after being stung on the tongue by a wasp as he ate ice cream an inquest has ruled.

The 18-stone businessman, who was supposed to be on a diet, collapsed in front of his wife and friends and later died after the insect stung him in the mouth.

Moments earlier the 57-year- old had told his wife’s friend: "I’m just having a last bite of ice cream - I’ve just had a five-course lunch, don’t let Pat see me."

But the former European president of Sega died from asphyxia caused by severe swelling of his tongue in reaction to the sting, despite taking an antihistamine to counteract the poison.

His ex-model wife Patricia told an inquest yesterday: "He used to let wasps crawl on him and he always used to say: ‘They won’t hurt you if you don’t hurt them’."

She recalled how she had made desperate attempts to keep her husband alive until an ambulance arrived at their mansion in St Lawrence on the Isle of Wight.

Mrs Leslie said that at the time of the tragedy, on September 8 last year, they had been having a party with friends at their home.

His medical records revealed yesterday that a slight problem with nasal congestion meant he was susceptible to allergic reactions. But the inquest was also told he was unaware he would suffer such a severe reaction to a sting.

London-born Mr Leslie leaves a son and stepson and three grandchildren.

The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.