A HAMPSHIRE businessman, who was found dead in his Rolls-Royce, had a row with his wife the night before.

The information was revealed yesterday as an inquest was opened into the death of 53-year-old Norman Carlton who, it is understood, ran the Call Carlton limousine hire company, based in Derby Road, Eastleigh.

His body was discovered in the open boot of his champagne- coloured luxury car, which was parked outside Eastleigh Civic Offices on Sunday morning.

Mr Carlton, whose address was given as Derby Road, was estranged from his wife.

It is understood that he had been sleeping rough in his car and had been staying in hotels.

Coroner's officer Mr Roger Matcham said Mr Carlton had visited his home address on the Saturday night and had a row with his wife.

Mid Hampshire Coroner Grahame Short heard that CCTV footage had revealed that Mr Carlton would have driven straight to the civic offices, which were just a few minutes from his home.

He was discovered dead in his car at 9.40am on Sunday. Police had ruled out any suspicious circumstances but inquiries were continuing.

The coroner adjourned the inquest until June 15 so further tests could be carried out into the cause of death.