In hindsight, we should have spotted sooner that something was potentially wrong and done more to check on Robert’s welfare. “While we followed the correct legal process throughout, it’s clear that the action taken by us didn’t go far enough. “It is completely unacceptable to us that something like this has happened, and we’ve taken action to reduce the risk of it happening again. In a statement, Bolton at Home's chief executive Noel Sharpe said: “Everyone at Bolton at Home has been deeply shocked by this and we realise it will concern and upset people to learn his body remained undiscovered for such a long time. I’m satisfied the appropriate conclusion is an open conclusion." Landlord apologises
Police made public appeal in March to trace Mr Alton's relatives, but none have come forward so far.ĭr Patrick Waugh, pathologist, told the inquest that it was "not possible to determine a cause of death".Ĭoroner Peter Sigee said: "On the balance of probabilities Mr Alton died in May 2017. Det Sgt Dominic Beaver, from the force, said there were no suspicious circumstances.
Greater Manchester Police was called and neighbours said they had seen no one at the flat for at least five years. Six years of council tax arrears went unnoticed. Inside, post was piled 50cm high and Mr Alton’s body was found at the top of the stairs to his first-floor flat, in jeans and a grey jumper, with a television guide for left open, reading glasses left on the page, and food with expiry dates in 2017. His body was only found when officials entered the address on Hemsworth Road using an angle grinder under a court order. His social landlord, Bolton at Home, continued to receive his rent automatically through housing benefit and made at least ten attempts to visit the property over the time period, with no answer. Robert Alton is thought to have died aged 70 in May 2017 but his "skeletal" remains were not discovered until March this year. A retired bookkeeper lay dead in his Bolton flat for six years until a council landlord forced entry to carry out a gas check, an inquest has heard.
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