The final years and untimely death of Pavol Medzei make for tragic reading.

An economic migrant from Slovakia, he found himself living rough in what was described in the inquest into his death as an outside toilet.

Despite the kindness of strangers who gave him food and looked out for him, Mr Medzei ultimately died, either from an accident brought on by drinking or his epilepsy.

A sad, squalid and desperate tale. And one that highlights the problem of those who view Britain as some kind of promised land which will provide work, warmth and comfort for them.

The brutal reality is that Britain has suffered as much as – indeed, more than – other European countries in economic terms, and the streets here are certainly not paved with gold.

Homelessness workers say that Mr Medzei’s story, while tragic, is not unique, and that there are many other migrants sleeping rough in Bradford.

The situation is untenable, both for them and for the state which has to pick up the pieces.

It gives power to those who think that immigration laws need to be radically overhauled and only those with suitable skills to fill jobs should get automatic entry to the country.

However bad Pavol Medzei’s life was in his home country, his ultimate fate in Britain must have been far worse.