AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a Barton on Sea man who was found unresponsive in his bed.

Matthew 'Simon' Stephenson, 57, of Marine Drive West, died at his home address on December 4, a court heard.

The inquest into his death was opened at Winchester Coroners' Court on Friday, February 21 by assistant coroner Robert Simpson.

Mr Simpson said that Mr Stephenson's mother found her son unresponsive in his bed after she returned from a shopping trip.

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An ambulance attended, but there was no life-saving opportunities.

The preliminary cause of death has been given as acute alcohol toxicity, alcoholic liver disease and cardiac failure.

The inquest has been adjourned to January 19, 2026.