A FORMER security guard died after breaking his leg and developing pneumonia, an inquest heard.

Sean Cooney, 45, was found at his house in Gordon Street, Darwen, by his father Noel Cooney on February 24 this year.

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Mr Cooney was found to have a complete fracture of the thigh, which had led to it becoming swollen, and a blood clot had developed.

Dr Richard Prescott, a histopathologist at Royal Blackburn Hospital, told the inquest that Mr Cooney’s lungs were in the stage of "quite advanced bronchopneumonia and his liver showed a severe degree of fatty change".

Tests showed he had a low alcohol level in his blood and 0.88 micrograms per ml of the painkiller tramadol in his system, which was "higher than average but not fatal", he added.

His liver condition would have affected his immune system, leading to a chest infection, which would have been "severe and quick".

Mr Cooney had issues with alcohol, the inquest heard.

Mr Cooney senior, found his son lying on the floor in the front room after getting a key from his son’s landlord and letting himself in.

He told Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley coroner Michael Singleton he believed his son had sustained the injury by falling downstairs.

The cause of death was given as bronchopneumonia due to severe fatty liver and secondary a fractured femur.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a conclusion of accidental death.