The family and friends of a man found dead in Old Town have defended his reputation as a man of "dignity" who "lost his way".
The body of Joseph Kelleher, 45, was discovered at his home in Tachbrook Road early on May 10.
A 38-year-old man was arrested and questioned at Leamington police station in connection with the discovery and released on police bail.
There were no obvious signs of injury and his death is being treated as unexplained.
Send us your views on this story by clicking hereMichelle Kelleher, 32, said her husband was a devoted father and not the man painted by the article in the Midweek Courier.
She said: "The family are grieving and do not need this sort of gossip. He had six children. Josh and Jacey-May are aged three. Luke is nine and Tia is seven. He also has two older children. He was devoted to his children and none of them have been taken into care. Josh and Jacey-May are two of three triplets. One passed away at three weeks old."
Brother Christopher Kelleher, 43, said: "He was an ordinary, everyday bloke. He was one of the nicest blokes you could meet."
Friend Shirley Clarke, 37, of Masters Road, Whitnash, an office administrator, said: "I have know him and his family for years through my husband - Nick. We are gutted that he didn't turn to us and other friends for help.
"He had held down jobs at Lockheed and as a builder. He was a handsome, happy-go-lucky chap with a lot of friends who lost his mum at a young age. He also lost one of his three brothers and his father not long ago.
"Joe turned to drink a few years ago, but nobody really knew why. He may have known people in the drug scene, but as far as I know he didn't take drugs.
"I have never seen a prouder man than when his triplets were born. I saw him a couple of weeks before his death walking the children to school and he looked clean and fine."
Daniel Cremin, 43, of Russell Terrace in Leamington, director of a community and public arts organisation, knew 'Joe' in his teenage years.
He said: "It is easy for people to judge Joe, but he was cared about and loved by a certain group of people.
"He had to carry a lot of difficulties in his life that other people don't have to.
"He did have dignity and friends and we all cared about him."
An inquest in Mr Kelleher''s death was opened and adjourned on Wednesday.
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