The family of a schizophrenic man who died after being restrained by police believe he could be alive today if they had been informed of his mental state.

Colin Holt, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene at his flat in Twydall home after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and walking out of Medway Maritime Hospital.

But the first his older brother David knew of his chronic situation was when police arrived on his doorstep late at night to say he had passed away.

Mr Holt told an inquest today that had he, his sister Sharon and late mother known about his chronic mental state they would have “acted differently.”

Mr Holt said that in the past it had been common practice for relatives - particularly his mother who had expressed concerns about her son’s well-being - to be made aware of hospital admissions and visit him.

Last August, after a history of depression and mental health problems, exacerbated by a change in medication, Mr Colt was detained in hospital.

Two days later he was reported missing from the ward and police were called, who found him in his flat at Harbledown Manor, Goudhurst Road.

He died from “positional asphyxia” which occurs when a person’s position prevents them from breathing - despite attempts by paramedics and officers to resuscitate him.

PCs Maurice Leigh, 54, and Neil Bowdery, 29, from Chatham were cleared of misconduct in public office at a trial at Maidstone Crown Court in May 2013.

The inquest at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone started today after a jury was sworn in.

It is expected to last up to four weeks.