A 58-year-man died at home just days after the death of his partner, a court was told. 

Philip Cox, who had previously worked as a decorator, was found by police officers inside his house in Blofield on January 21. 

An inquest held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that the 58-year-old lived with several physical and mental ill health ailments. 

Evidence confirmed that he had a history of paranoid schizophrenia and depression, for which he received treatment.  

After his partner’s death on January 17, he contacted the mental health team who visited the next day. They organised new medication and daily visits or calls. 

Mr Cox was also receiving support from a neighbour and had been discussing plans for the coming weekend. 

However, on January 21 Norfolk Police carried out a welfare check after his neighbour raised concerns. He was found dead at home with cuts to his legs.

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Area coroner Samantha Goward read from a post mortem that revealed the primary medical cause of death as hypovolemic shock due to exsanguination and multiple wounds consistent with self-inflicted injuries.

Mrs Goward added: “I do believe this was a deliberate act – he had a history of harming himself by cutting – but what I don’t have is any evidence of intent.

“He hadn’t in the period leading up to it expressed any suicidal or self-harm thoughts.  

“There is no evidence that the act was intended to end his life.” 

She gave a narrative conclusion of: “Died due to a deliberate act of self-inflicted injuries but his intent at the time is unknown as he had a history of impulsive acts." 

Mr Cox was born in Derbyshire on September 5, 1965, and lived at Shillito Road in Blofield. He was one of six children. 

His family paid tribute via a statement to the court. They said: “Philip was thoughtful. 

“He was shy, timid, always a follower and never a leader. He had a nice gentle personality but was easily frightened. 

“Philip lived a simple life on medication and rarely socialised.” 

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