An alcoholic Wickford man died after suffering an epileptic fit as he climbed the stairs at his home, an inquest has heard.

John Patrick Russell, 44, of The Dell, was discovered by his wife at the foot of the stairs and subsequently died at Basildon hospital from a blow to his head when he fell.

Coroner's officer Pc Graham Crisp said Mr Russell was an epileptic and a heavy drinker suffering from alcoholism.

His widow, Yvonne, told last Tuesday's inquest at Chelmsford that she heard a bump and found her husband collapsed on the afternoon of February 20.

Essex coroner Dr Malcolm Weir recorded a verdict of accidental death, after medical evidence found that Mr Russell had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage.

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