A PENSIONER who died following surgery to cut out a malignant tumour was already in a weakened state, an inquest heard yesterday.

William Mason, a retired joiner, of Overdale Road, Park End, Middlesbrough, died shortly after the operation on his colon at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, in January.

Teesside Coroner's Court heard that the 72-year-old, who also had heart problems, caught an infection after the surgery which killed him.

Deputy Teesside Coroner Gordon Hetherington said he was satisfied the operation was carried out properly and recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.