A CORONER has recorded a verdict of death from natural causes after an alcoholic prisoner died as the result of a brain haemorrhage.

Brian Wilkinson, of Station Road, Redcar, east Cleveland, was serving a four-month sentence for breaching his anti-social behaviour order twice and being drunk and disorderly.

The 61-year-old draftsman was found collapsed in his hospital wing cell at Holme House Prison, Stockton, in April last year and died two days later in hospital.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded the verdict after the inquest's jury heard two days of medical evidence.

Earlier, Home Office pathologist Nigel Cooper told the hearing that Mr Wilkinson suffered a brain haemorrhage that resulted in a stroke.

Mr Wilkinson had a long history of alcohol abuse and had undergone detoxification treatment at Winchester and Durham prisons in the months before his death.

The Prison and Probation Ombudsman reviewed the medical treatment Mr Wilkinson received at the prison and found it to be free from blame.

His son, Andrew, who did not attend the hearing, had told the ombudsman he was satisfied with the level of care his father had received.

On Wednesday, deputy ombudsman Emma Bradley advised the prison to review its alcoholic detoxification regime, but said the medical staff had acted appropriately.