Chichester man could have been dead hours before being found

Giles Sebastian Edwards, from Chichester, was living in temporary accommodation on Nyewood Lane, Bognor, when he died on January 16, 2026.

The 38-year-old had been placed in the Base One accommodation – a temporary and emergency housing provider – by Chichester District Council on November 10, 2025.

Mr Edwards' family described him as “beautifully innocent and wonderfully unique”, with a strong love for music and their family pets – particularly their dog Sunny.

At an inquest in Brighton on Thursday, September 24, it was heard how Mr Edwards had been asleep face down on the floor prior to being found dead later that day.

Giles was particularly fond of his family dog, Sunny (Image: Family handout)

The court heard that Mr Edwards was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and complex PTSD - following an incident where he was hit by a drunk driver.

Additionally, it was heard he had a "long history of mental health issues" and had become dependent on alcohol and medication.

Operational Director at Base One Karl Edwards told the inquest how regular welfare checks were carried out at the accommodation.

He told the inquest, welfare teams checked on Mr Edwards between 1-2pm on the day of his death, where he was found "sleeping" on the floor.

The room was described to have been a “chaotic scene”, however staff noted “audible snoring and Giles’ back going up and down” and made the decision to let him sleep.

His family spoke of his love for music describing it as "one of the ways he expressed himself" (Image: Family handout)

Karl Edwards said staff also cleared up broken glass on the kitchen side, but the incident was "not flagged as an emergency" stating that Giles was often in a "distressed state" during the day.

The inquest heard that response teams were requested to check in on Mr Edwards later that day, which would be carried out between 7pm and 5am.

At the hearing, family members questioned whether CCTV footage had been checked following Mr Edwards death to assess the length of time welfare teams spent in the room during the first visit.

They also questioned the length of time between visits, with the inquest stating Mr Edwards second visit was around 11.30pm.

Mr Edwards' mother Clare said: "Giles could have been dead for a very long time before he was found".

Mr Edwards had been referred to live at the accommodation by Chichester District Council who had identified the location as the “most appropriate” option available.

The court heard that Base One “identified very quickly that Giles was not right for the accommodation”, with staff making 11 official logs to Chichester District Council over concerns for Mr Edwards' high level of needs.

His family said Giles had an "unshakable bond" with pet dog, Sunny (Image: Family handout)

On December 18, it was heard Base One made a safeguarding referral following a reported overdose.

Housing solution manager for Chichester District Council, Teresa O’Toole told the court following this the council reached out to Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust. However, they were told Mr Edwards had been discharged due to non-engagement.

Coroner Ms Milner highlighted that Mr Edwards was engaging with services including the GP, in attempts to receive help and get better.

Speaking to the coroner, Mr Edwards' mother said: “Giles was very bright, very intelligent.

“He tried every avenue but was met with dead end after dead end.”

In a pen portrait read to the court, Scarlett Edwards described her brother as her “light in the dark”, reminiscing on fond memories playing video games and watching wrestling matches.

She said: “Giles was wonderfully unique. He was intelligent, deeply thoughtful, and had an almost poetic way of looking at the world.

"He noticed things that other people might overlook and had a depth to the way he thought and felt that was distinctly his own.

“He also had a wicked sense of humour.

"He could be incredibly funny, often in a way that was completely unexpected, and his humour is something that so many people remember about him.”

Giles and family dog Sunny (Image: Family handout)

She added: "We want Giles to be remembered for the life he lived, not simply the way it ended. He was a son, a brother, a fiancé, a friend and so much more. He was intelligent, funny, sensitive, compassionate and deeply loving.

"He brought comfort and happiness to people, cared for those who were vulnerable, and left an imprint on everyone who knew him."

Concluding the inquest, coroner Ms Milner described Mr Edwards as a “greatly loved son, brother, partner and friend” who was “intelligent, talented and compassionate”.

She found the cause of death to be drug and alcohol related.

Ms Milner noted that she was “satisfied that Chichester District Council followed protocols and Base One made the appropriate safeguarding referral”.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org