A young footballer took his own life after learning his late mother had been a victim of necrophiliac David Fuller.

Jay Carr, from Higham Avenue in Snodland, was discovered by police in a wooded area near his home on September 20 after going missing the previous day.

Today an inquest at Maidstone's County Hall heard how, in 2021, the 20-year-old had been informed by police that his mother had been abused by Fuller following her death.

But Jay’s family believe he should not have been given the information, given his existing mental health issues.

Their barrister Shahram Sharghy said: “Jay took the death of his mother and the circumstances of her death extremely hard.

“The information provided clearly had a significant impact which spiralled over the subsequent months, which led to him taking his own life.”

He said a note left by Jay had made reference to the death of his mum and added: “The family don’t accept that it was at their suggestion that Jay and other family members should be told the information.”

However, DS Jon Wheeler, one of the family liaison officers who delivered the news, said Jay’s father Danny agreed his son should be told about Fuller’s abuse.

The necrophiliac murderer defiled the bodies of 101 women and girls in mortuaries at Kent and Sussex Hospital and the Tunbridge Wells Hospital between 2005 to 2020 while he was working in maintenance at the sites.

The 68-year-old also pleaded guilty to murdering Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, in Tunbridge Wells in 1987, for which he received a whole life sentence.

An independent inquiry is currently investigating how Fuller was able to carry out his crimes undetected.

Coroner James Dillon acknowledged he had been invited to give a narrative verdict and accepted the impact of the information given in 2021, but added: “A conclusion of suicide is the only appropriate conclusion I can draw.

“Jay Carr took his own life by way of hanging at Holly Hill Wood and was found deceased on September 20, 2022.

"His mental health had deteriorated since October after he learnt of facts about his late mother. It’s a conclusion of suicide”

Speaking outside County Hall following the inquest, Jay’s sister Ashlee paid tribute to her brother and explained how their family had been rocked by a series of tragic events.

“Our family have been through numerous tragedies over the years,” she said. “Our mother Jordana Carr died in 2015. She was far too young and she left gaping hole in our family.

“My brother Jay was just 13 when our mother died. He took it extremely badly, and for a number of years struggled with serious mental health issues.

“As he reached adulthood he was doing much better. He had a stable job as a car valet, had a loving girlfriend, Millie, and had a close connection with his football team.

“In October 2021 out of the blue my father and I were notified that my mother's body was abused by David Fuller, whilst under the care of Pembury Hospital. We felt pressured by the police officers who notified us to tell Jay and his siblings. Despite telling the officers of Jay's vulnerability, they insisted that he be told, which he was later that night, in graphic detail.”

“Over the coming months Jay's mental health deteriorated. He became obsessed with David Fuller, and what he had done to our mother's body. On September 17 2022 Jay went missing.

“Family, friends and police carried out a search and Jay was found dead on September 20, having taken his own life.

“If we can take anything away from this it is hoped that there will be some reflection as to how police notify families of tragic matters in the future.”

She went onto say how much loved Jay was by those who knew him, adding: "he was a great family man and his nieces and nephews really looked up to him. Jay had exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and drive, he was akeen athlete and his loss leaves a heavy heart for many."

Following Jay’s death, flowers and a bottle of beer were placed at Holly Hill Wood, close to where his body was found.

The car valet and builder, was described as a “ray of sunshine” by friends, while team-mates at Aylesford Football Club also paid tribute to the much-loved player, describing him as a “special person” on and off the pitch.

Connie Horton, who became friends with Jay when they were both attending Wrotham School, said: "Jay loved having a laugh down at the pub with his mates.

"I never saw him down, he always had a smile on his face. He was a ray of sunshine."

A charity football match is being held on July 23 to raise money for West Kent Mind in memory of Jay.

Ide Hill Select XV will play Jay Carr Select XV at Snodland Town Football Club at Potyns Sportsground in Paddlesworth Road.

It’s £5 a ticket but under 16s go free and all tickets will go towards the charity.

Gates open at midday and kick off is 1pm with music, food and drink after.