Man had been dead in his flat for 18 months

Robert Frame, a 57-year-old former sailor, was found sitting in an armchair facing the TV.

He was discovered last August when workmen investigating a water leak at the block in Newcastle upon Tyne broke in, an inquest has heard.

The body was next to a ready meal with a best-before date of late December 2004.

Mr Frame had been married twice and had no children.

Relatives learned of his fate in January after being traced by police.

His benefits had been paid into his bank and his council rent taken by direct debit.

At the inquest, Mr Frame's cousin, Vera Hopper, spoke of her guilt but asked why no one else had noticed his death.

"I last spoke to him on Christmas Day 2004," she said. "He was depressed and I thought he was about to get help.

2He was a very private man and didn't want our help. It's devastating that he had lain there for over 18 months."

Mr Frame was being treated for a liver problem and by a psychiatrist but had not gone to hospital since December 2004.

Newcastle coroner David Mitford recorded an open verdict.