A rough sleeper who was found dead on a busy roundabout by a Tesco superstore had been due in court accused of setting a McDonald’s bin on fire.

The body of Martin Tallamay was found in Gillingham, on Friday, October 27.

Emergency services were sent to the Bowaters Roundabout which has a number of trees, bushes and grass in the middle following the discovery.

An eyewitness described seeing officers, a private ambulance and at least one fire engine.

Assistant coroner for Kent Ms Catherine Wood opened an inquest into Mr Tallamay’s death yesterday (November 8) at County Hall, Maidstone.

She said a police officer attended the roundabout at around 12pm seeking Martin “who was known to be sleeping rough at that location” after he failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued.

Mr Tallamay had been accused of committing arson on September 7 after destroying a McDonald’s bin and allegedly causing a woman harassment, alarm or distress by using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour on the same day.

He pleaded not guilty to both offences and the cases were adjourned to be heard on October 12 at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

The inquest was told Mr Tallamay was “known to have some significant health needs” but following a post-mortem, the cause of death was “unknown”.

Ms Wood said he was single and did not have a fixed address.

The inquest was adjourned to a full hearing by Ms Wood to be held at Oakwood House, Maidstone, on January 30.

For more information on how we report on inquests, click here.

Police were called to the busy roundabout, near the Tesco superstore at the junction of the A2 and the A278 on October 27.

An eyewitness described seeing officers at the scene alongside a private ambulance and at least one fire engine.

Police launched an investigation after the tragic discovery.

A spokesperson for the force previously said: “The man’s death is currently being treated as unexplained and officers are carrying out initial enquiries.”