North East wife killer's cause of death remains 'unknown'

HMP Frankland <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
HMP Frankland (Image: Newsquest)
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The cause of death of a murderer who was found unresponsive in his jail cell remains unknown pending further tests.

An inquest looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of prisoner Alan David Baker, 69, was opened on Tuesday, at Spennymoor.

The inquest heard he was found in his cell at HMP Frankland, Brasside, on June 9.

Baker had been serving a life sentence after admitting the murder of his wife, Christine. She was found dead at their home in Byrness Row, Cramlington, in the early hours of April 29, in 2013.

The inquest heard a post-mortem examination was carried out at Newcastle RVI Mortuary by Dr Louise Mulcahy on June 13. His provisional cause of death was given as 'unknown pending histology and toxicology'.

Baker's body was identified by HMP Frankland governor Dan Pinder.

HM Senior Coroner Mr Chipperfield on July 21, adjourned the inquest until October 6 for a further mention hearing.

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