by Helen Fairley

A man lay dead in his sheltered accommodation flat for up to a year before being discovered by housing association workers.

The partially mummified body of heavy drinker John Sargeant, 61, was discovered in a bedroom of the first-floor property in Maidstone.

An inquest heard how reclusive divorcee Mr Sargeant had not been seen for up to a year and how unopened post dating back to July 2008 was found in the flat.

Although he lived in sheltered accommodation he had opted out from any contact with the warden, who regularly visits the site.

The inquest heard that since his death, Maidstone Housing Trust has introduced a policy which means they will visit tenants yearly even if they opt out of contact.

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week's Kent Messenger newspaper.