A PROMINENT Blackburn businessman died when an auto-erotic experiment in the bedroom of his farmhouse went wrong, an inquest has heard.

David Alty, 45, the head of long-established William Alty and Sons funeral directors, based in Witton, Blackburn, was discovered hanging by his wife Catherine.

She began looking for him when he failed to turn up to meet her at his mother-in-law's home on the afternoon of March 28.

The hearing at Blackburn heard that Mrs Alty had returned to the family's Belthorn home when she was unable to contact him by phone.

She had initially searched the downstairs rooms before going to a neighbour's house to look for him.

When she returned she heard what she thought were voices in a nearby room before discovering her husband's body.

The inquest was told that Mr Alty was hanging from a luggage strap. The voices Mrs Alty had heard were from the TV and video unit which was still playing a video.

A post mortem examination revealed that he died from hanging.

In recording a verdict of accidental death coroner Michael Singleton, said: "There is nothing to suggest that David Alty was in any way considering harming himself.

"I am satisfied that on the afternoon on March 28, David Alty was engaged in auto-eroticism and accidentally hanged himself."

"I knew David Alty personally and have always found him to be a hard-working and caring man and in drawing this conclusion I am in no way being judgemental of him.

"I hope people's memories will reflect more on his life rather than his death."

A statement released by the family after the inquest said: "The coroner has confirmed a verdict of accidental death as the cause of David's death.

"The family have been aware of this from the outset and are now relieved that this matter has been formally concluded.

"We thank everyone for their support over the recent weeks and ask that the family may be allowed the privacy to come to terms with the loss."