Grandfather Shaun Pilkington Found Dead After Receiving Letter Saying Benefits Will Be Stopped

Grandfather Found Dead After Letter Told Him Benefits Would Be Stopped
Embargoed to 0001 Thursday April 26Undated file photo of a general view of police tape. Planned cuts by police forces fall £500 million short of the savings needed, Whitehall's spending watchdog warned today.
Embargoed to 0001 Thursday April 26Undated file photo of a general view of police tape. Planned cuts by police forces fall £500 million short of the savings needed, Whitehall's spending watchdog warned today.
Rui Vieira/PA Archive

A grandfather has been found dead after reportedly telling friends he had become distressed by his financial circumstances, compounded by having his Employment and Support Allowance stopped.

Shaun Pilkington, 58, had a been sent a letter informing him his Employment and Support Allowance - which he had been awarded after a long-term illness - would cease, the Mirror reported.

Pilkington told friends he was "unable to cope" as a hearing approached to reassess his eligibility.

Police found him dead in his flat in Beighton.

A neighbour told the Mirror: "It is a tragedy. He was upset because he got a letter saying his ESA was being stopped.

“He was pretty down about it and said he was finding it hard to cope with the decision. He was a lovely man. It is not fair what the Government is doing."

Pilkington was divorced with two children and one grandchild. Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article contact the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or click here.

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