A remand prisoner at Chelmsford prison died as a result of "a planned hoax hanging that went tragically wrong".

An inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death on Lee Adams who died at Colchester General Hospital on November 1, 1999 - the day after he was found hanging in his cell by his cellmate Andrew Docherty.

A post-mortem examination showed death was due to hanging.

The nine-day inquest heard that Mr Adams, 22, of Church Leys, Harlow, had planned the fake hanging so he could remain with Mr Docherty, a convicted prisoner, at the prison.

Mr Docherty told the inquest he had taken his medication and was fast asleep at the time of the hanging. He said when he woke up "it was a great shock - out of the blue".

He said he did not know of any plan and would not have got involved if there was.

"I know how dangerous it could be."

In a statement after the verdict the family said the inquest revealed serious failings by the prison.

They said locking up young and vulnerable remand prisoners with convicted prisoners for at least 23 hours a day "creates an atmosphere of boredom and despair".

A Prison Service spokeswoman said the prison did not wish to comment on specific issues but head of custody James Shanley said their thoughts were with Lee's family "as they continue to come to terms with his tragic death".

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