A NEW Forest man found dead at his home is thought to have fallen through his loft hatch, an inquest heard.

Keith Garbett was discovered by police after colleagues became concerned when he did not turn up for work.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard Mr Garbett, of Kings Ride, Langley, had sought treatment while away in Cambodia over Christmas, and was diagnosed with a respiratory infection before flying home on January 8.

The 58-year-old was thought to have last been seen by staff at Geo Speciality Chemicals, near Hythe, where he worked, on the afternoon of January 10, but was discovered by officers lying on his back in the hallway on the afternoon of January 12.

PC Mike Kesslar-Lyne told the inquest he was lying naked near the loft ladder,attached to the open hatch, and it was thought he had fallen through and suffered serious injuries.

Pathologist Dr Victoria Elliot told the inquest that Mr Garbett had suffered serious internal bleeding – which led to a collapsed lung – and multiple broken ribs.

During the inquest Mr Garbett was described by a neighbour as a “loner”, while PC Kesslar-Lyne added he “demonstrated signs of someone who was a hoarder”.

PC Kesslar-Lyne said: “It was very cluttered, it was difficult to move around.

“The bathroom didn’t work and the kitchen was unusable. He showered at work and he probably ate at the pub.”

Despite being described as a loner by a neighbour, the inquest heard Mr Garbett made friends at the pubs he would often visit after work, including The Forest Home in Hardley and Langley Tavern, Langley, while his manager Dean Inman said he was a “good employee”.

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, assistant coroner Simon Burge said: “It seems to me more likely than not Mr Garbett fell through the open loft hatch in his bungalow or lost his footing on the ladder.

“His death is therefore a tragic accident.”