The body of an elderly ‘loner’ remained undetected
The body of an elderly ‘loner’ remained undetected in his west London flat for months, an inquest heard today.
(Weds)
Julius Samuel, 80, was found mumified by police in May after neigbours realised they had not seen him since before Christmas, Westminster Coroner’s Court was told.
The Sri Lankan was wearing just a tee-shirt when he was found on his bed at Scott House, Westbourne Grove Terrace, Paddington.
The court heard Mr Samuel suffered from diabetes and cataracts and kept ‘himself to himself’.
Locals became concerned for his well being when they saw noticed Mr Samuel’s mail was piling up in his post box.
Relatives in Sri Lanka were also worried when letters were returned.
Cousin Edgar Thomotheram, from Beckenham, Kent, said he visited the deceased’s flat in September last year but left after his relative did not answer the doorbell.
The deceased’s family in Columbo, Sri Lanka were later informed by Interpol of his death.
Police found no evidence to indicate foul play or signs of an intruder when the body was discovered on May 19.
Pathologist Dr Nicholas Hunt said that ‘mummification’ and decomposition of the deceased’s body meant he was unable to give an anatomical cause of death.
He said that death would have occured several months before, given the degree of change to the body.
Dr Hunt said the post mortem could show no sign of natural disease and the cause of death was ‘unascertainable.
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Coroner Dr Paul Knapman said: ‘Mr Samuel was a loner and Christmas cards had not been opened up.
‘It is very likely he may have been there since before Christmas.
‘There is nothing to point towards anything suspicious.
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Verdict: Open
ends
