Man died in his partner's arms

Stephen Allmark died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition on October 27, 2006, despite the frantic efforts of his long-term partner, Steve Di Carlo, to save him.

Last night, Mr Di Carlo told how the couple had only moved into their home in Bradhope Road, Middlesbrough, four days before the tragedy.

He said: "When we moved into the house, we were so happy.

"The following Thursday was Stephen's birthday. He had been celebrating, having a drink and listening to his music, but at around 8.40pm, he went upstairs and said he felt sick.

"I checked on him a couple of times and he seemed okay. Then I fell asleep on the settee and I never saw him alive again."

Mr Di Carlo paid tribute to his partner of 14 years, saying: "Stephen was a most amazing and highly intelligent man.

"I was honoured and privileged to be a part of his life, and Stephen will never ever be forgotten."

An inquest at Teesside Coroner's Court heard that Glasgow-born Mr Allmark died after a cardiac arrest caused by a degenerative heart condition.

Pathologist Dr Jan Lowe told Coroner Michael Sheffield that, although the condition was more common in elderly people, it was not unheard of in a man of Mr Allmark's age.

Despite the efforts of Mr Di Carlo, paramedics and accident and emergency staff at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, Mr Allmark was pronounced dead at 3.10am.

A verdict of death by natural causes was recorded by Mr Sheffield.