A RECLUSIVE father who shunned medical attention was found dead in his Southampton flat by his young son, an inquest heard.

Paul Keeler, who was 60, had contracted pneumonia but did not get medical care.

Mr Keeler lived at Albion Towers, in St Mary’s, with his 12-year-old son, who woke up to find his father dead on January 10.

Detective Sergeant Will Whale, from Bitterne police station, told Southampton Coroners’ Court Mr Keeler’s illness had got progressively worse and his son was caring for him.

“Mr Keeler was emaciated and unclean,” he said.

Mr Keeler’s son is now in the care of social services and is said to be doing well.

Pathologist Eleanor Jaynes, who conducted a post-mortem at Southampton General Hospital, said Mr Keeler was “severely underweight” and showed evidence of poor hygiene.

Coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a verdict of death from natural causes, aggravated by self-neglect.