Nicholas “Nick” Roberts, 71, died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on March 23, 2026.

Opening and concluding the inquest, area coroner Robin Weyell said: " We, the British public owe a huge amount to Nick for his dedication to public service that has no doubt save many live.'

The court heard that he had suffered an unwitnessed fall at his home in Wherry Road, Norwich, which led to a bleed on the brain.

Despite medical intervention, he developed complications and died days later.

Mr Roberts, a principal analyst in the UK defence civil service, had spent decades working on highly sensitive projects designed to support British troops.

His sister, who attended the hearing, said he had “saved countless lives in the field” through his work.

Although private about the detail of his role, extracts from his retirement speech, which were read to the court, revealed the scale of his contribution.

He joined defence research in 1975 and went on to work on major programmes, developing complex software and systems used to support operations and improve safety for soldiers.

Colleagues described him as a “truly fantastic person” with a “booming laugh”, whose work ethic and support for others were “second to none”.

He was praised for his ability to deliver large-scale projects efficiently and think through complex challenges - producing code that contributed to the safety of the UK and its allies.

“We all owe a huge amount to Nick,” the tribute said.

Coroner Robin Weyell. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The court heard Mr Roberts, who was born on August 5, 1954, had moved back to Norfolk last year after retiring, allowing him to be closer to his sister Gaye Roberts in Suffolk.

She described him as independent despite a number of long-term health conditions, including chronic myeloid leukaemia and stage four kidney disease.

In the days before his death, he had complained of breathlessness, a headache and feeling unwell.

After calling NHS 111, an ambulance was arranged but did not arrive as expected, the court heard.

His sister later became concerned when he appeared confused and unwell, prompting her to call 999.

He was taken to hospital on March 21, where scans revealed a bleed on the brain and swelling causing compression of the brain stem.

A medical cause of death was given as status epilepticus and subdural haematoma, contributed to by his underlying health conditions.

Mr Weyell said the injuries Mr Roberts sustained would not necessarily have been obvious.

Addressing his sister, who tearfully questioned whether she could have done more, he said: “Based on the evidence, it is unlikely there was anything more you could have done.

“You did everything you could as a caring sister.”

Paying tribute, his family said Mr Roberts had devoted his life to public service and work that protected others.

His decades of work in defence research - much of it unseen - had contributed to safeguarding British soldiers and strengthening national security.

Those who worked with him said the country “owes a huge amount” to his dedication.

© Eastern Daily Press