A 'devoted' young father was tragically found dead by his former partner in her back garden.
The body of Matthew Clarke, 30, was discovered at approximately 9.45am on February 6.
An inquest has now formally been opened into his death, Stoke-on-Trent Live writes.
It heard how Matthew, known as Matt, had been drinking in Leek, Staffordshire, the night before the tragedy.
Assistant coroner for Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, Sukhdev Garcha, said: “On the evening of February 5 he went into Leek to go drinking. His former partner and others left and he followed them before walking away.
“She went home. She went to bed at 4am and she heard knocking. The deceased had been trying to gain access. She ignored him. There was no further noise.
“At 9.20am she got up and looked into her back window and saw Matthew. He was deceased, he was lying on the ground.
“The death was unnatural and therefore an inquest must take place.”
The inquest has been adjourned and will resume on March 13.
In his death notice, Matthew was described as the 'precious son of Steve and Debbie, treasured brother of Dan and sister in law Shannon and devoted daddy of Tyler and Jaxon'.
It added: "Husband of Elisha and a much loved grandson, nephew, cousin and uncle. Matt will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by all his loving family and many friends."
His funeral took place at Carmountside Crematorium yesterday (March 2) with mourners asked to wear bright and colourful clothes.
Donations in Matt's memory went to The Aching Arms Charity.
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