The decomposing body of a Colindale man was only found after neighbours noted a foul smell coming from his bedroom, Hornsey Coroner's Court heard this week.

Warehouse delivery driver Paul Dressekie, 42, was discovered in his room in Wilberforce Road, on March 24, although Coroner Dr William Dolman said the cause of death was unknown.

Neighbour Robinson Moreira said: "Earlier in the week I noticed a smell. The smell was quite strong. A man opened the door and went in to find him dead."

Stephen Palmer, a friend who knew Mr Dressekie as 'dreadlocks', said: "I found Paul dead in his room. He was on the floor wearing a T-shirt and nothing else. As soon as I saw him I knew he was dead."

Mr Dressekie's brother, Mark, from Woodville Road, Golders Green, said he last spoke to him a week before he was found.

The told the inquest: "He came to my house. He was alright actually, he seemed OK."

In recording an open verdict on Monday, Dr Dolman said: "The ambulance and police were called to find him partly dressed and not only dead but showing signs of decomposition in places."

October 31, 2001 17:58