Drain the fruit cocktail, setting aside the syrup and arranging the fruit chunks in a 1½-litre dish. Refrigerate the dish while you prepare the next steps.

Place the gelatin powder in a bowl, then position it over a hot water bath. Warm the reserved fruit syrup and pour it over the gelatin, stirring intermittently until the gelatin fully dissolves.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cream, shredded or desiccated coconut, lemon juice, and vanilla essence until thoroughly blended. Incorporate the dissolved gelatin into this mixture.

Evenly pour the combined mixture over the chilled fruit base in the dish. Let it set in the refrigerator overnight or in the freezer for approximately two hours.

Once set, sprinkle a layer of finely grated milk chocolate on top. Serve cold.