Islington Tribune - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS Published: 14 December 2007
Worried neighbours discovered retired carpenter dead at home
A RETIRED carpenter was found dead at his Islington home after a neighbour became concerned about him and looked through his window. A coroner was unable to ascertain how divorced Richard Dye, 69, from Essex Road, died because his body had become too decomposed.
Coroner Andrew Reid recorded an open verdict at the inquest last week.
Barry Dye, the dead man’s son, told St Pancras Coroner’s Court his father was a heavy drinker but had never been known to harm himself.
He had tried to phone his father but there was no answer. “Then I went round – and that’s when I noticed the police were there,” he added. Neighbours discovered his father’s body after becoming concerned.
He added: “I think he was a bit depressed. He used to phone his ex-wife up and say ‘come round’. Sometimes she’d go round and cook for him.”
Dr Reid said: “Unfortunately, due to the time that passed, which was nearly a week and a half, his body was decomposed and the cause of death is uncertain.”