A morbidly obese man died surrounded by empty pizza boxes and soft drink bottles before being found days later by police, an inquest heard.

Paul May, 30, was found dead on his sofa at home in Armfield Crescent, Mitcham, after police had to force open the front door with a battering ram on January 17.

Described by coroner Dr William Dolman as a “quiet man who lived a simple life”, Westminster Coroners Court heard on Monday, May 16, that Mr May was 5ft 9in and weighed 156kg.

Mr May had a body mass index (BMI) of 59.1 (obesity is classified for those with a BMI of at least 30) and was a candidate for surgery at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, and diabetes treatment at Mitcham Medical Centre.

Dr Dolman said: “He was a quiet man who lived a simple life. He was described as being morbidly obese and suffered from childhood diabetes.

“His medical treatment was hit and miss because, despite many interviews with GPs, he often missed appointments about treating his condition.”

Steve Riley, a London Ambulance paramedic on duty on January 17, turned up at Mr May’s house but could not gain access despite his colleague climbing on to the roof.

In a written statement to the court, Mr Riley said: “Upon entry we found the body lying naked. He had obviously been dead for a number of days.”

Dr Dolman concluded Mr May died from natural causes after suffering severe liver damage brought on by his diabetic condition.

Got a story for us? Call 020 8722 6335 or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.


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