AN INQUEST was opened yesterday into the death of a prisoner who was found hanged in his cell.

Andrew Cliff, 36, of Central Avenue, St Helen Auckland, County Durham, had been at Holme House prison, Stockton, since November when his body was found on Wednesday at 6.10am.

Cliff had been convicted of using threatening behaviour by magistrates at Sedgefield, after an incident at West Auckland Football Club, and was waiting to go back to court to be sentenced.

His brother, Michael, 38, also of Central Avenue, gave evidence of identification at Teesside Coroner's Court. The dead man's wife, Diane, 33, was also present.

Coroner Michael Sheffield adjourned the proceedings for further inquiries.