A MAN froze to death in a cemetery after sleeping off the effects of a drinking binge, an inquest was told.

John Hudspeth died of hypothermia after falling asleep in Durham Road Cemetery, Stockton, last November.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield heard that the 55-year-old was under-nourished and had no protection against the night temperatures.

Pathologist Mark Egan said that the unemployed joiner, who lived only a mile away from the cemetery in Tithe Barn Road, had consumed large amounts of alcohol before he died from hypothermia.

His liver also showed signs associated with alcohol abuse.

Pensioner Joseph Alderson told the inquest in Middlesborough that he noticed Mr Hudspeth lying on the ground while he was walking his dog.

He said that he had seen other people sleeping in the cemetery and assumed Mr Hudspeth was doing the same and carried on walking.

When a second dog walker, Helen Swainston, passed by next morning she saw Mr Hudspeth lying on his back with his hands crossed on his chest. She alerted the police.

A doctor was called to the scene and confirmed Mr Hudspeth was dead.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, Mr Sheffield said: "It is clear that Mr Hudspeth had intended to consume alcohol and decided to go into the cemetery, and it seems he fell asleep there.

"He didn't intend the consequences of doing those things."