A FORMER rough sleeper died of bleeding in his brain without an obvious cause, an inquest found.

Keith Spicer, 51, who lived in Sparrow Court, Chingford, died on February 23 this year, three days after being found disorientated and confused by a 'good Samaritan' in Larkshall Road.

The court heard how Mr Spicer seemed drunk, but did not smell of alcohol, and could not remember where he had been or for how long.

Passer by Tina Philips found him leaning against a wall, struggling to keep his balance, and called an ambulance.

He was taken to Whipps Cross University Hospital where he was treated and discharged, but returned of his own accord on February 20.

He went into cardiac arrest and died in the early hours of February 23.

Neighbours did not learn of Mr Spicer's death until looking into his flat to see his dog, Angel, whom he never left for long, had been left alone, the court heard.

Mr Spicer was thought to have been out of contact with his family for several years and no next of kin were found despite repeated attempts to trace them.

No one attended court to represent him.

A special post mortem examination was requested by coroner Dr Elizabeth Stearns as Mr Spicer claimed he was assaulted before he died and a full police investigation was also carried out.

But officers could find nothing to suggest any suspicious circumstances and pathologist Dr Benjamin Swift said he could find no evidence that Mr Spicer had been attacked.

He said it was more likely the bleeding in Mr Spicer's brain was caused by a fall and could even have been caused by a relatively minor head injury.

There was also evidence that Mr Spicer was a heavy drinker, which could have contributed to his death.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, assistant deputy coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox said: “I'd like to thank the police for doing such a thorough investigation and providing me with a full and helpful report.

“Mr Spicer was not represented by anyone in court today, which is in fact exceedingly sad.”

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