last winter died during an alcoholic "drying-out'' period of natural causes, an inquest determined last week.

Mr. Philip James Wade, 39, was found by Coroner Mr. Kenneth Brown to have died on February 21 as a result of his inability to endure a particularly severe bout of delirium tremens (DTs) during alcoholic detoxification.

According to pathologist Dr. John Winwick of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mr. Wade suffered a haemorrhaging and contusion of the brain in the episode, during which he was said to have smacked his head against the ground and damaged his wrists.

In making his pronouncement, Mr. Brown offered his condolences to Mr. Wade's father and sister, who were present at the inquest.

He called the way in which the man died a "depressing'' and "traumatic'' occurrence.