A REMAND prisoner hanged himself after being in custody for more than a year accused of a drugs offence, an inquest heard yesterday.

John Shutt, 52, of Kelsey House, Front Street, Kelloe, Durham, was found hanged with a trainer lace from a vent in his cell toilet at Belmarsh Prison last September, Southwark Coroners Court was told.

His application for bail failed the previous day.

His son, Gary Shutt, of Sharon Avenue, Kelloe, told the inquest his father had been registered disabled with back problems after a road traffic accident.

"He had been in custody well over a year. I had been due to visit him on August 12, but my four-year-old daughter broke a leg falling downstairs and I didn't see him again."

Coroner Selena Lynch handed Mr Shutt what she called a suicide note written by his father, which the witness confirmed was from the deceased.

Maureen Shaw, of The Green, Bishop Middleham, said she had been a friend of Mr Shutt for many years and said his mood had gone downhill in the past month.

Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Allan told the court Shutt was facing ten years or more in prison if convicted.

Pathologist Dr Ian Hill said their was no sign of anyone else involved in the hanging.

Prison Governor Nicholas Leader said there was an investigation by the Metropolitan Police and the Prison Service. As a result of the death a redesign of the cells, involving removing grilles, is due to be implemented later this year.

The inquest continues today.