AN inmate at Winchester Prison died of natural causes, an inquest heard.

Edward Rathmill who was being detained at the prison died on February 18 at Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard the 53-year-old from St Swithuns Road South in Bournemouth was a smoker who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

On February 16, he became severely short of breath in the prison and was taken to Royal Hampshire County Hospital, his condition worsened and he was put on a palliative care pathway and he died two later.

Home office registered pathologist Dr Basil Purdue said the cause of death was acute bronchitis caused by COPD.

Senior coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict of death due to natural causes.