A FORMER rock musician found dead in his cell at a North-East prison died of natural causes, an inquest found today.

Michael Sanson, a former session drummer for stars including Sting and Gary Newman, died in the Westgate wing of Frankland Prison, Durham City, in April.

The 40-year-old was serving life for a hammer attack on a 59-year-old man, with whom he shared a house in Cullercoats, North Tyneside.

An inquest held at Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court yesterday heard that a post mortem examination of Mr Sanson, who used insulin to control his diabetes, found that he had suffered a coronary thrombosis.

The inquest heard that, while his death was not caused by insulin overdose and that Mr Sandon was not suicidal, his "careless behaviour" over the management of his condition may have damaged his health over the long-term.

A Prison and Probation Service Ombudsman report into Mr Sanson's death said that "his own non-compliance contributed to his death".

Dr Thomas Docherty, medical officer for the cluster of Durham Prisons, gave evidence that Mr Sanson had a "chaotic" approach to control of his medical condition and had, on at least one occasion, deliberately administered an insulin overdose.

He added: "Mr Sanson used his diabetes at times to manipulate his situation - he knew it gave power over those who were looking after him.".

Coroner Andrew Tweddle directed the jury to record a verdict of death by natural causes.