Builder, 44, found dead at home after hitting his head

A builder was found dead after collapsing and hitting his head, an inquest has heard.

Mark Simmonds, 44, was found on the kitchen floor of his house in Cleves Way, South Ashford, in May after a neighbour came to check on his welfare.

Mr Simmonds, who predominantly worked as a builder, was known to have type 2 diabetes after being diagnosed with the condition in 2016.

A family statement submitted by his father Robin Simmonds said his son was regularly in contact and always seemed in good spirits, informing them that he was keeping up to date with all of his medication for the condition, which both his parents also have.

However, it also mentioned that he was known to drink alcohol at a higher level than advised - diabetics are advised to limit their alcohol consumption as it can have an effect on their blood sugar levels.

A neighbour told investigating police officer PC Adam George that Mr Simmonds’ neighbours would regularly check on him, as they believed him to be “lonely and in ill health”.

It is thought that he died several days before he was found, although an exact date could not be confirmed.

Area coroner Katrina Hepburn said she could not reach a shortform conclusion, so instead issued a narrative statement.

She said: “Mr Simmonds was found to have both a subdural haematoma and potentially fatal levels of what is likely to be diabetic ketoacidosis.”

One of the symptoms of ketoacidosis is weakness, and Ms Hepburn said it was likely this lead to a fall which caused the haematoma.

The inquest was at Maidstone’s Archbishop’s Palace