The father of a “lovable rogue” found dead in his house has told of his sadness as the cause of his son’s death remains unknown.

Coroners gave an open verdict for Jason Willcocks’s death, saying the cause could not be ascertained due to decomposition.

Mr Willcocks was discovered in his home on July 17 after police received a call from someone concerned about his welfare.

Graham Willcocks, 56, of Bonnygate, Basildon, described his son, who was 35 and lived in Warren Side, Braintree, as “harmless” and said he believes the death was accidental.

He said: “Jason was a lovely lad, a lovable rogue.

“I don’t think he took his own life, I think it was an accident but it’s sad it will always be inconclusive now.”

The inquest into Mr Willcocks’s death was opened on Friday July 25 and the documentary was held at Chelmsford Coroner's Court on September 13 by Area Coroner for Essex, Mrs Eleanor McGann.

For the full story, see this week's Braintree and Witham Times.