[Ammi]

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.

In April a coroner ruled Nicholas Barker committed suicide after his benefits were stopped.

And last year, the parents of a man who suffered from epilepsy and died after being stripped of his benefits have blamed his death on the stress of being found 'fit for work'



http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014...6pLid%3D234459