Man found dead naked on a bed surrounded by bottles of alcohol and maggot-infested food

An inquest in Brighton heard there had been concerns Mark Woodley, 42, of York Avenue, Hove, had been “cuckooed” in the months leading up to his death on September 1 last year.

“Cuckooing” is a form of crime, termed by the police, in which drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person to use it as a base for county lines drug trafficking.

Kevin Hartney, 74, of Whitehawk, told the inquest at Woodvale Crematorium on Wednesday that he had known Mark since 2000 and they had built up a long-standing friendship.

The pair were well known in the area, having built a miniature nature reserve in Southwick which was powered entirely through the use of solar panels and wind turbines, including its water features, CCTV cameras and even its power tools.

Mr Hartney said the two men remained close but had drifted apart before they last met in George Street, Hove, in April 2021.

He told the inquest he was “shocked” at his friend’s appearance.

“It was 10.30 in the morning when we met and he had clearly been drinking,” he said. “From his manner and appearance I was very concerned that he was being taken advantage of.”

Mark Woodley, right, helping friend Kevin Hartney at the nature reserve in Manor Hall Road, Southwick. Credit: Terry Applin

Alicia Keen, Assistant Coroner for Brighton and Hove, heard that Mr Woodley, who was autistic and under the care of the Disability Team at Brighton and Hove City Council at the time of his death, had developed a serious alcohol problem over the years.

She said he was found by the emergency services in his bedroom on September 1, undressed and lying on the bed. Miss Keen added the emergency services who attended found bottles of alcohol in the room and maggots in discarded food.

“I have heard concerns of ‘cuckooing’,” said Miss Keen, who added there had also been issues raised that Mr Woodley had been taken advantage of and that Sussex Police had conducted a thorough investigation following the death. “Mr Woodley had autism but was still competent.”

In recording an alcohol-related death, the coroner said the Disability Team had tried to arrange to speak to Mr Woodley on his own on several occasions during 2021 “but this had not been possible”.

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Hartney paid tribute to his friend and said he deserved better treatment during the final years of his life.

“I feel my friend was badly let down by the authorities,” he added.