AN inquest was opened yesterday into the death of a man who was arrested in connection with the disappearance of a former miner three years ago.
Fifty-six-year-old Edward Donnelly went missing from his home in Fynway, Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, on March 25, 2002. Despite extensive inquiries, police have been unable to trace him.
Last month, acting on a tip-off, detectives spent three days searching a house in Elm Court, Sacriston, where they arrested John Robert Pounder, 49, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
He was bailed pending further investigation.
Mr Pounder was found dead in his home on April 9. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
The inquest was opened at the office of Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle, in Crook, and adjourned pending results of forensic tests.
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