Vulnerable Leeds man murdered by a drug dealer would have 'never met killer' if police had not broken door - inquest hears

Christopher Laskaris, who suffered from Autism, was murdered by Philip Craig who then returned to steal from his flat days later - and even rifled through his pockets as he lay dead on the floor.

Craig, who was sentenced to life in prison after a trial, had a long history of violent offences and was out on licence when he stabbed Mr Laskaris to death on November 4, 2016.

Items including a television, mobile phone and electric guitars were stolen from the property in Leeds, West Yorks.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was a single stab wound to the chest.

Fiona Laskaris, his heartbroken mother, today (Tues) told the inquest Christopher suffered from an Autistic Spectrum Disorder which was never formally diagnosed and was only ever informally recognised by doctors.

Weeks before his death, Mr Laskaris's door had been broken down by police officers who were concerned for his safety, the inquest heard.

Officers passing his home had heard shouting and saw a coffee jar thrown through the window of his ground floor flat when they intervened.

Mrs Laskaris said her son was undergoing a mental health crisis during the incident and was taken to a police station for his own safety.

When Christopher was released, his flat was boarded up and she told the court she believes it was then that he met Craig who helped him move the board.

The inquest heard that phone records indicated Craig had called Mr Laskaris on October 13, the day the door was broken down.

Mrs Laskaris told Wakefield Coroner's Court: "I don't think he single-handedly and without tools could have removed that board.

"I'm very concerned how my son was left in the position that a murderer could have access to his flat.

"This man met Christopher because his flat was left open.

"Christopher was frightened to knock on a neighbour's door if a package was left for him.

"He was too shy to go out and socialise, he would never have met Philip Craig in the community.