A suspected sex attacker from Ponders End was unlawfully killed, an inquest has ruled.

Kriz Ruzz Arsenal Chapman Watson, also known as Richard Watson, was found dead at his Kennedy Avenue home in August last year, having not been seen for four days.

The hearing was told Mr Watson had received hate mail in May 2001 and graffiti was written on his door in April last year suggesting he was a 'pervert' and a 'paedophile'.

Giving evidence to the inquest at Hornsey Coroners' Court, DI Kevin Fitzgerald said he was certain that Mr Watson was murdered but said that the motive was unclear and a weapon had never been found.

He told the hearing there had been no sign of forced entry and burglary had been ruled out after finding Mr Watson's keys and a "considerable amount of money" on his person.

Police investigations are still continuing.

Mr Watson, who was 57 at the time of his death, was a retired security guard but was described by neighbours as being "eccentric" and "at best obnoxious and noisy".

Allegations of rape were made against Watson by a former girlfriend but these were never pursued.

The inquest was told Mr Watson had been convicted of assault in 1968 and child neglect in 1970.

He received a further caution in 1970 for damaging a bus window.

The cause of Mr Watson's death was described as a "severe head injury" by pathologist Dr Vesna Djurovic.

Dr William Dolman recorded a verdict of unlawful killing at Monday's hearing.

January 29, 2003 13:30