DETECTIVES trying to solve the mystery of how a man choked to death on a sausage sandwich were thwarted when a cat ate the evidence.

Joseph Callaghan was found with the food lodged in his windpipe.

Detectives believe his death may have been suspicious - but the crucial remains of the sausage sandwich were devoured by Mr Callaghan's pet.

At a Newcastle inquest, Coroner David Mitford heard that the 53-year-old's body was found slumped on the kitchen floor of his home in Benwell, Newcastle.

The inquest was told that although there was no doubt it was the sausage that killed Mr Callaghan, it was unclear how it became wedged in his throat.

Consultant pathologist Mark Egan told the court Mr Callaghan could have either have choked from the sausage being forced down his throat or choked due some other reason.

"There was a large, relatively intact piece stuck in his windpipe," he said. "This was enough to cut off his air supply."

Coroner David Mitford recorded an open verdict as he said there was insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion as to how Mr Callaghan choked.