A HEARTBROKEN man died a solitary death after turning to drink and living in squalor, an inquest has heard.

Brian Chidgey, 57, became a recluse following the death of his mother two and a half years ago and often got drunk to numb the pain.

A police officer summoned to his home in Horner Road, Taunton, following concerns for his welfare, discovered several empty brandy bottles, cigarettes packets and food packaging in the property, with rubbish backed up to the rear door and flies in all the windows.

He found Mr Chidgey's body in an upstairs bedroom after attending on August 12 last year.

Mr Chidgey's brother, Colin, told the inquest in a written statement that Brian had given up work to look after her mother before her death as they were very close.

Colin Chidgey added: "After her death, he became reclusive and wouldn't receive any help.

"He liked drinking and had many accidents falling on his way home, but always refused assistance."

A post mortem was unable to ascertain the cause of death due to the state of Mr Chidgey's body.