Man who killed neighbour in bust up over wheelie bins died of cancer in custody

A MAN who stabbed his neighbour to death in a dispute over land between their houses died of natural causes in police custody, an inquest found.

Jeffrey Burton, 60, of Pearl Close, Rainworth, was charged with murdering neighbour Harry Tindall on Boxing Day 2011.

Mr Burton, who had stomach cancer, was taken to Nottingham Prison on December 28, 2011, to await trial.

But his health suddenly deteriorated in the early hours of December 29, 2011 so he was transferred to the Queen's Medical Centre, where he refused treatment.

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He was then transferred to Hayward House hospice in the grounds of the City Hospital where he was accompanied at all times by a police officer. He died on February 7, 2012, at 11.25pm.

At an inquest at Nottingham Coroner's Court, a jury returned a verdict of natural causes yesterday after listening to evidence from three witnesses.

Mental health nurse Maria Martino was working at the prison when Mr Burton's condition deteriorated.

She said: "Mr Burton had medication and pain relief in prison. On the morning of December 29 one of the prison officers alerted myself and a colleague that Mr Burton was on the floor in his cell.

"When we arrived he was bleeding from the mouth and in a lot of discomfort. We called a doctor immediately."

The doctor advised that Mr Burton should be taken to hospital and an ambulance was called.

The inquest heard that when he arrived at the QMC he refused a blood transfusion and tests to find out what was causing the bleeding.

Dr Vincent Crosby, a consultant in palliative care at the QMC, told the inquest: "Mr Burton was referred to me when he arrived. He refused treatment, which was within his rights.

"He was transferred to Hayward House where he remained until he died. He died from natural causes."

An independent consultant, Dr Adrian Jacobs examined the death of Mr Burton at the request of the Prison and Probation Ombudsman.

He told the inquest: "From the medical records I have seen, I conclude that Mr Burton was cared for appropriately while at the prison. He received probably better care than he would have if he had been in the community. I have no concerns about his management in custody."

Summing up the evidence, Notts Deputy Coroner Heidi Connor said: "We have heard that the care Mr Burton got in prison was the same, and it has been suggested perhaps even better, than he would have received in the community.

"The cause of death has been shown from the evidence heard today to have been stomach cancer which had spread.

"Mr Burton's care whilst in custody has been reviewed by an independent doctor who has no concerns with the treatment he received there."