A "warm, kind and caring" man was found dead by a member of the public on a Norfolk beach two days after he disappeared having told his GP that "devil voices" had returned.

The body of Carlos Tony Swart-Cordeiro - known to some as Tony and others as Carlos - was discovered on the Harbour Rocks, near South Beach Parade in Great Yarmouth, on January 17.

An inquest into his death heard that the 44-year-old had suffered with poor mental health for many years.

The hearing was told he was a deeply religious man who said he had a "spiritual connection" with God who he said would often talk to him.

But when things were bad, he would also say he heard voices from "the devil" and an "evil spirit" who would tell him to do things.

Aerial shot of the Great Yarmouth, the beach and the Outer Harbour by Mike PageAerial shot of the Great Yarmouth, the beach and the Outer Harbour by Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

At the turn of 2024, Mr Swart-Cordeiro said he had a "positive feeling" about the new year and what it would bring.

However, on January 15 he sent a message to his GP to say that the voices had returned.

READ MORE: When will B&M open in the old Great Yarmouth Wilko shop?

That morning his doctor appeared at his home in South Quay to check up on him for an appointment but he was not there.

His mother was called to ask if he was with her, as he spent lots of time with her and regularly went to hers for dinner. But he was not there either.

Carlos Tony Swart-Cordeiro lived in South Quay, Great YarmouthCarlos Tony Swart-Cordeiro lived in South Quay, Great Yarmouth (Image: Google)

Police were informed and Mr Swart-Cordeiro was officially registered as a missing person.

He was found two days later by a member of the public on their morning walk at about 7.30am.

READ MORE: Man at centre of church siege accused of wounding officer while being tasered

Samantha Goward, the coroner, gave a narrative conclusion because there was "no evidence he had any intent to end his life".

She concluded: "Mr Swart-Cordeiro died due to drowning, but it is unknown how he came into the water."

 

"KIND AND WARM PERSON"

Mr Swart-Cordeiro was born in South Africa before he and his mother moved to Portugal.

At the age of 19, he joined the army there and served in Portugal before he and his mother moved to England.

Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Northgate Street, Great YarmouthEmmanuel Pentecostal Church in Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth (Image: Google)

He was a member of Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Great Yarmouth and Pastor Brett Crosson said he was a "very kind person" who was "warm to be around".

READ MORE: Three appear in court over murder of teen whose body was undiscovered for a week

He added: "He always found joy in making other people feel loved and valued."

His funeral was held at Gorleston crematorium in February.

A message shared on the funeral page paid tribute, reading: "Your departure was unexpected and I really hope you are in peace now.

"My heart is broken and you, my friend, will be missed.

"R.I.P. now in the arms of the Angel."

  • Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 by calling 116 123. Alternatively, the NHS First Response Service can be reached on 111, selecting option 2.  
  • To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk