The death of a man with schizophrenia in squalid conditions has triggered a review into how Wandsworth handles vulnerable patients.

Mayan Coomeraswamy, 59, was found dead on January 9, this year, in a flat deemed unfit for human habitation, Westminster Coroner's Court heard this morning.

His home in Thurleigh Court, Nightingale Lane, Clapham, was filthy and cluttered with a broken boiler and collapsed ceiling when he was found.

The landlord had wanted to clean the flat but South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust, which was treating him, would not move him in order for the work to be done.

A post mortem examination showed ulcerations to the stomach, often found in those who die from hypothermia.

Speaking in court, Dr Ruth Allen, director of social work at Tooting's Springfield Hospital, said the law allowed for patients living in squalor to be removed temporarily but this had to be balanced with the patients right to choice.

She said: "What we have to bear in mind is that this is not the only piece of legislation in terms of people's rights that the care team have to balance."

Dr Paul Knapman, the coroner, said: "The pendulum may have swung too far."

The trust will now review use of mental health laws to assess whether cases such as this should be treated differently in future.

The inquest was adjourned to Wednesday, December 9, pending the trust's review.