32 his doctor would have told them

He had stated in the assessment form

that he had problems:

anxiety

depression.

He was unable to cope

with either support workers

or help from his family.

Because of the severity of his panic attacks

the assessment was carried out

at the cottage where he lived

alone.

His mother says he was unaware

of the purpose of the assessment

she said

neither the assessor

nor the Department

made any attempt to secure

evidence about his health.

His doctor would have told them

that he was unable to work.

The doctor told the inquest

he had visited him in extreme distress

a short time after his benefits were stopped.

The doctor handed him a note

explaining that he was extremely unwell

and completely unfit for work.

The note does not appear to have reached his local Jobcentre.

He did not take his own life, though;

four months after his benefits were stopped

he starved to death.