Hospital worker owing £4,700 in rent arrears took his life

NEIGHBOURS of a highly respected healthcare worker who helped HIV patients have spoken of their shock after he took his life following a rent row with landlords.
The body of Alexander Bishop-Joseph, 40, was discovered at his flat on the Packington Square estate in Angel on October 1 by a bailiff and officials from his landlord, Hyde Housing Group.
The rehabilitation assistant, who worked at Mildmay Hospital in Hackney, had been taken to court after attempts to recover £4,700 rent arrears failed.
Neighbour Nancy Turner, 64, said: “My first impression was of a quiet man who kept himself to himself – most people do round here, to be honest. He helped me up with my shopping to my flat a couple of times.
“It’s a real shock because he seemed quite happy when I spoke to him.”
Other near-neighbours of Mr Bishop-Joseph said that few people had got to know him.
“It is a very sad story,” said one Packington Square resident, who did not wish to be named.
“It’s terrible to think he felt there was no other way out.”
At an inquest into his death last Thursday, Mildmay director Meic Phillips said Mr Bishop-Joseph was “greatly respected”, “popular” and “very reliable” with patients and staff at the hospital.
Recording a suicide verdict, St Pancras coroner Dr Andrew Reid said: “I don’t find there has been any gross lack of medical attention, and I make no findings as to neglect or lack of care, and I make no criticisms of any other agency.”
Verdict: suicide.
TOM FOOT