THE death of a convicted paedophile is no longer being treated as a suspected murder by detectives.
Steven McGowan was discovered dead in his home in Marske earlier this year when firefighters were called to reports of a flat fire.
The 47-year-old was allegedly harassed in the weeks leading up to his death on June 9 this year.
His body was discovered inside his property at Wheatacre Close, Marske, in the early hours of the morning.
The man has now been released and no further action will be taken on this matter, the force has confirmed.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Carr said: “Following extensive enquiries and the results of a forensic investigation we are no longer treating the death of Steven McGowan as a murder.
“We are now satisfied this was a non-suspicious death and will prepare a file for the Coroner.”
A man, 25, has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage at the property on Wheatacre Close, Marske, and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
In 2013, Mr McGowan was convicted of taking indecent pictures of girls in a swimming pool changing room and sentenced to two years in prison.
The following year he was jailed for longer after publicity from the case prompted another victim to come forward.
The woman contacted police after reports of Steven McGowan’s offending at the Splash baths in Stockton appeared in the press.
The victim told how she was abused by McGowan when she was 14 and 15 after being given vodka and cannabis.
McGowan was also sentenced for abusing a 13-year-old girl who woke on two occasions on a sofa to find his hand in her underwear.
He was jailed for five years and ordered to sign on the sex offenders' register for life.
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