Tributes have been paid today to 'nasty' Nick Cotton who was found dead in Gravesend.

Police said that a post mortem examination yesterday revealed that Mr Cotton's sudden death was caused by respiratory failure brought about by a heroin overdose.

He was discovered in a 'squat' in Gravesend, though the exact location has not been revealed.

His mother, Dot Branning, of Albert Square, London, has been informed of his death and spoke briefly to the Messenger.

She said: "It was always going to be drugs, wasn't it?

"He was a good boy, deep down. He was my little angel.

"Others will tell you different, but they didn't know him."

Mrs Branning, who was allegedly subjected to a poisoned lasagne by her son in the early 90s, said she was given a box of his personal belongings which included some gloves, a ring, and some pictures.

Mr Cotton received his "nasty" moniker after being suspected of murdering elderly Reg Cox in 1985.

It was later alleged in 1991 that he had tried to poison his mother's lasagne and that he stabbed landlord Eddie Royle.

Neighbours of Mrs Branning said Mr Cotton had been addicted to drugs since 1991.

He was arrested and later stood trial in 1993 for the killing but was found not guilty.

Nick, his wife, Zoe, and young son Ashley, moved to Gravesend together that same year.

In 1998, Mr Cotton, who has a daughter called Dotty, was arrested for drugs possession.

Zoe and Ashley moved away from the town following his arrest.

It emerged in 2001 that Mr Cotton cut the brakes on a motorbike belonging to a former greengrocer which led to the death of his son, Ashley, who had taken the bike and crashed.

He flew into a window of a laundrette.

Funeral details have not yet been released.

Did you know Mr Cotton? Leave your tributes below.