A Leyland man found hanged in his cell in a Preston jail took his own life, an inquest has found.

Shaun Robert Brown, who was on remand at HMP Preston, was found hanged in his cell in March 2004.

At the two week inquest held in Shire Hall in Lancaster, Dr Adley, HM Coroner for Preston and West Lancashire, said the 34-year-old had taken his own life due to difficult personal circumstances, exacerbated by heroin withdrawal.

He added that the prison service had taken the appropriate action and the assessment for self harm was adequate.

According to Farleys Solicitors LLP, who were representing the family, Mr Brown had a long history of drug abuse and was arrested on the evening of March 25 in 2004 for theft and detained at Leyland Police Station until the following morning.

On March 26, Mr Brown appeared at Preston Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody at HMP Preston to await sentence.

On the first night of his detention at the prison in Ribbleton Lane, at around 5.40am he was found hanged in his cell.

Attempts were made to resuscitate him, however he was pronounced dead, at just after 6am.