THE BODY of a man missing for ten months was found in woodland near the city, an inquest in Winchester heard.

Grant Maddocks, 53, could only be identified by dental records.

Area coroner Jason Pegg said Mr Maddocks, of Staple Gardens, Winchester, went missing last summer and was found on June 9 in woods east of Hurdle Way, near Compton, around a mile south of the city.

He had been reported missing on August 5 last year by staff at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, where he had discharged himself.

His disappearance sparked police public appeals and widespread coverage.

Mr Pegg said: "Despite extensive searches by the police he was located on June 9. A member of the public found clothing and a mobile phone in woodland. Further searches were carried out and Mr Maddocks' remains were found. When found he was in a severe state of decomposition such that (consultant pathologist) Dr Basil Purdue has been unable to ascertain a cause of death."

He adjourned the inquest to August 15 2024.