A man was found dead at home by his mum after a long-term battle with alcoholism, an inquest has heard.

Sebastian Smith, 48, was discovered in his flat in Godwin Road, Canterbury.

An inquest at Canterbury Coroner's Court heard how Mr Smith had struggled with alcohol dependency since he began drinking heavily in the late 90s.

Toxicology reports found Mr Smith was almost seven times over the legal drink drive limit when he died - with a blood alcohol reading of 559mg per 100mls of blood, while the legal drink-driving level in England is 80mg.

The court heard how his mum Susan visited his home on March 15 after growing worried that she had not heard from him in 10 days.

In a statement read to the court, she wrote: "I had not heard from him for longer than usual. It was with trepidation that I entered his flat.

"Seb was lying in the hall. For many years, Seb has been a chronic, poorly functioning alcoholic and we knew he was killing himself.

"He was someone we very much loved, but did not seem capable of helping."

Police and paramedics were called to Mr Smith's home, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the inquest on June 12, coroner James Dillon said Mr Smith's medical records showed a "history of alcoholism across many years", and ruled his death caused by acute alcohol intoxication.

If you need help on an emotional issue you can call the Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.

Alcoholics Anonymous can be contacted on 0800 9177 650.

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