A man whose body lay undiscovered inside a hoarder’s house for more than 15 years was shot trying to break in to the property, a coroner has found.

The remains of Shane Snellman were found inside the home, in Greenwich on Sydney‘s Lower North Shore, in 2018, surrounded by air fresheners.

Cleaners made the grisly discovery after the owner of the house, Brian Roberts, passed away from natural causes.

Investigators examine the scene after discovering a body inside a home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. (9News)

The house was filled with rubbish from the floor to the ceiling. Mr Roberts was known to be reclusive and paranoid about security.

Mr Snellman’s body was found in a bedroom, covered by rubbish and with a gunshot wound to the neck.

Police believe he was shot by Mr Roberts after breaking into the home in 2002.Officers found 13 firearms inside.

The late occupant of the home, Bruce Roberts, is understood to have been a hoarder. (9News)
Rubbish and detritus strewn across the property. (9News)

A coroner has found Mr Snellman was probably breaking into the house to steal and fund his drug habit.

However, family members in court have disagreed with the coroner’s findings, saying they believe the pair knew each other.



This content first appear on 9news

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