It heard that the 54-year-old had been found deceased by his flatmate at home on the stairs during the early hours of September 20 last year.

Norfolk Coroner's Court in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley) His younger sister, Roxana Patterson, described how they had been “close” throughout their lives.

In a statement to the court, she said: “Rik was intelligent and personable, highly popular at school with good reports from teachers.

However, the court also heard that Mr Patterson had experienced a strained relationship with their mother.

“A fractious relationship........

© Norwich Evening News