An alleged murder victim was found unresponsive in his own back garden, an inquest heard.

Oxford Coroner’s Court heard the cause of Keith Green’s death had been found following a post-mortem to be a stab wound to the chest.

Senior coroner Darren Salter, who opened an inquest into the 40-year-old’s death at Howard Road, Banbury, on Wednesday afternoon, said a paramedic from South Central Ambulance Service verified Mr Green’s death at 11.49pm on February 13.

“It is reported he was found unresponsive in the rear garden of his home address,” Mr Salter said.

Mr Green was identified to the police by his partner, the coroner added.

Mr Salter said: “In terms of a date for the inquest, given the nature of the case and the fact there is a police investigation there is no date set for the inquest. It is to be confirmed pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.”

The coroner's court hearing lasted 85 seconds.

On Monday, two men appeared before Reading Crown Court charged with Mr Green’s murder.

Mark Meadows, 24, of Rees Court, Banbury, and Travis Gorton, 19, of Well Bank, Hook Norton, each face allegations of murdering Keith Green on Sunday, February 13, and possession of a ‘large bladed hunting-style knife’.

They were remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing, which is expected to take place at Oxford Crown Court on March 18.

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