www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/killed-benefits-cuts-starving-soldier-3923771
Diabetic David Clapson, 59, died with just £3.44 left in his account after his Jobseeker’s Allowance was axed because he missed an appointment
David once faced death on a daily basis as he served his country loyally in the terror hell of Northern Ireland.
And when he left the Army he went straight into the workplace with BT before becoming a full-time carer for his sick mother.
After she went into a home, diabetic David turned to the state for help while he looked for work.
But under the Coalition’s callous new benefits rules he had his £71.70 a week Jobseeker’s Allowance axed – merely because he missed an appointment with an adviser.
Stripped of his income, the 59-year-old could not afford food or electricity and died starving, penniless and alone at his home.
His death was from diabetic ketoacidosis – caused by not taking his insulin.
When David died he had just £3.44 to his name, six tea bags, a tin of soup and an out-of-date can of sardines. His electricity card was out of credit meaning the fridge where he should have kept his insulin chilled was not working.
A coroner also found he had no food in his stomach.
A pile of CVs for job applications were found near David’s body.