A FORMER council worker found dead at the bottom of the stairs of his Nelson home was killed by alcohol poisoning, an inquest heard.

A post-mortem examination on Robert Halstead, 50, of Larch Street, found 660mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, more than eight times the drink drive limit.

A large amount of alcohol was still in his stomach and had not been absorbed into his blood, the hearing at Nelson Town Hall yesterday heard.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, East Lancashire coroner David Smith said: "Having too much to drink can sometimes lead to death which is what has happened here."

Mr Halstead's uncle, John Greenwood, of Peel Street, Colne, said his nephew was unemployed and his last job was working for the council on a weighbridge.

He said Mr Halstead enjoyed a drink "every other day or so". He had a medical problem with his leg and had suffered fits "now and again".

Mr Greenwood said on January 18 he visited Mr Halstead's house and saw him collapsed at the bottom of the stairs.

Finding he could not get into the house he called the police who forced their way in and found Mr Halstead dead.

PC Yvonne Cokell said it appeared Mr Halstead had tripped while walking up the stairs.

Two empty whisky bottles were found in the house.

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