A grieving mother has labelled the investigation into her son’s death a “cock-up” after his inquest was postponed.

The body of Warren Ullyett, 28, was found washed up on a beach in Sangatte, Calais, in December – more than a month after he was last seen in Herne Bay.

His final moments remain shrouded in mystery.

His mother Rani Ullyett says she has had to “fight to find out the most basic things” ever since.

She went ahead with his funeral in January without his body present after the coroner did not release it in time as attempts to formally identify him through dental records proved unsuccessful.

She views the recent postponement of the inquest into Warren’s death, which was due to take place on Tuesday, May 1, as part of a catalogue of errors.

“I’d spoken to the policeman who was looking into Warren’s case on the Thursday evening and he hadn’t even seen the papers,” she said.

“Nothing’s happened in a timely manner – it’s all been really slow. It’s been a cock-up.

“My faith in some of the agencies has been dented somewhat because I don’t feel people have kept me up to date with things.

“Bureaucracy is rearing its head at every turn.

“I’ve had nothing through indicating when the inquest will now take place.”

The decision was taken to postpone the coroner’s inquest because of delays in translating documents from the French authorities.

“Nothing’s happened in a timely manner – it’s all been really slow..." - Rani Ullyett

Nicknamed Hightower because of his 6ft 7ins frame, Warren had tackled drug use and post-traumatic stress disorder after being shot eight years ago.

When he was found, he was carrying his passport but, according to his mother, it is not yet known how he made his way across the Channel.

“It’s horrible not knowing what happened to him and I don’t think I’m going to know,” Ms Ullyett said.

“I spoke to someone at a birthday party who asked me ‘when did he die?’ I don’t know. ‘How did he die?’ I don’t know.

“I know that Warren didn’t commit suicide, though, because he saw it as a failure.

“He wanted to get away from the bad influences in Herne Bay and have a fresh start somewhere people would know him for the hard-working person that he was.”

Warren was eventually cremated on February 16 at an intimate service attended by close friends and family.

His death was part of a two-year period that also saw Ms Ullyett’s husband, Chris, and mother die in close succession.

She has sought the help of counsellors as she tries to cope with the loss of her eldest son.

“I didn’t start counselling because I was a gibbering wreck, but there have been a couple times where I’ve needed to talk to people who could understand the phases I’ve been going through,” she explained.

“I had answers with Chris, he had multiple myeloma, and with my mum, while it was a shock, she wasn’t too well.

“But Warren was young, he was healthy. It’s not fair.

“I’ve heard people say they were going to be a nanny, but I’m not going to be one with Warren.”

Police say they have been working closely with the French authorities, who were responsible for the identification and release of Mr Ullyett’s body.

Detective Sergeant Gary Stamp said: “Kent Police was responsible for compiling a report for the coroner which involved speaking to a number of Mr Ullyett’s relatives, friends and associates to establish his movements since he was last seen on November 4, 2017.

"This report will be considered by the coroner when the inquest is held.

“Kent Police has continued to liaise with the French authorities and we have kept Mr Ullyett’s next of kin informed throughout our enquiries.”