The long-awaited inquest into the death of prison inmate Stephen (Pepe) Dill had to be adjourned yesterday after the coroner called in sick.

Mr. Dill's family said they were disappointed that the hearing had not gone ahead after waiting15 months for it to happen. Mr. Dill was close to being released from the Prison Farm in December of 2001 when he took ill, and is believed to have died from a severe asthma attack.

His friends and family have claimed that prison guards did not summon medical help quickly enough - leaving him to suffer for a number of hours until assistance finally arrived.

Both Police and the Prison carried out their own investigations into the death, and, as a result, Labour and Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister said he did not envisage any criminal proceedings taking place, at least yet. Instead, he said a jury inquest should be held.

Yesterday morning, a number of Mr. Dill's family members and prison staff gathered in Magistrates' Court for the hearing.

They were told Coroner William Francis had taken ill and would not be present, but Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves was attempting to see if another magistrate could be present

However, Coroner's Officer, Police Inspector Phil Taylor said the decision had been taken to adjourn the matter. He said to the packed courtroom: "I sincerely apologise. It's something that's out of our hands. It's not as though we can call in another magistrate to perform this function. I'm very sorry that your time has been taken up on this matter. I apologise again."

Outside the court, Mr. Dill's mother, Elizabeth Astwood, said: "I'm very disappointed. We have waited a long time for this."

Mr. Dill's brother, Antoine Eugene Dill, said: "I don't feel good. I feel disappointed, most definitely. The family wants to get this inquest heard."

Mr. Dill said the sadness and grieving over his brother's death did not get any easier with time, but he hoped that once the inquest was heard they may get some closure. He said: "I most definitely blame someone for today. I blame justice."

A new date was not set for the inquest, but family members and the jury will be contacted in due course.