A man was found dead at his Thanet home... as a jury was deciding if he was guilty of sex offences.

Retired mechanic Anthony Sutton, 58, died three days before Christmas as the trial at Canterbury Crown Court was drawing to an end.

The jury was about to retire for a second day when news of his sudden death was reported to lawyers and police.

Judge Heather Norton told jurors they no longer had to consider verdicts – but didn’t tell them why the case had halted abruptly.

She then ordered a news black out until a death certificate was submitted to court staff – so the case could be stopped officially.

Now, three weeks later, the court has heard how Mr Sutton, who had denied the 10 sex charges, had been last seen alive at 10.30am on December 23 when he should have been in court for the resumed hearing.

As the judge, lawyers and the jury were about to continue, concern was expressed why Mr Sutton, who had been granted bail, was late.

But before the case could continue it was reported that Mr Sutton had been found dead and the Coroner had been informed.

His body had been discovered at his home in Holly Lane, Margate and an inquest is expected to be concluded later this year.

Judge Norton formerly brought an end to the criminal proceedings and offered her condolences to the family of Mr Sutton.