Sadness of St Benedicts traders following shopkeeper's death

Matthew Wesley, who ran an antiques shop on St Benedicts Street was found dead in his store earlier this month. 

An inquest into his death opened in Norwich on Monday and heard the 46-year-old was born in Chester and lived in the same address as his shop.

Following the short hearing, fellow traders along the independent high street described a sadness that has loomed over the community since the death on February 4.

Mark Hedge, who runs Cooke's Band Instruments just a few doors down, said: "He was quite a quiet man who tended to keep himself to himself.

"I think the only time I spoke to him was when I went in for a look at his shop one time but he was very polite. 

"It is always tragic when something like this happens."

Andy Tillett, who owns Press to Play record shop, added: "It is a terribly sad situation.

"I would often walk past and see the lights on but it seemed he only opened certain hours, as I didn't often see the shop open."

Mr Wesley's shop itself had recently suffered damage to one of its windows which had been boarded up.

The show door contains a sign saying it will be closed until further notice - although it is unclear whether this was put up before or after his death.

During the hearing, Mrs Blake said the provisional cause of Mr Wesley's death was hanging.

The case was adjourned until a full inquest, which is due to be held on August 20.

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