AN OPEN verdict has been returned on the death of an animal rights activist who embarked on several hunger strikes while in Full Sutton jail near York.

Barry Horne, 49, died while on hunger strike in November 2001 at Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester.

The convicted firebomber was admitted to the hospital after refusing food at Long Lartin jail, near Evesham.

The inquest jury, sitting in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs, had been asked to consider whether they were sure that Horne intended to take his own life. The Worcestershire Coroner, Victor Round, read evidence that Horne, from Northampton, was not judged to be mentally ill when he commenced the hunger strike. The inquest was told that when Horne was interviewed by a psychiatrist days before his death, he had denied being depressed and had spelt out the word "proud".

The psychiatrist's report, which was handed to the jury, also revealed that Horne felt he "would win by dying" forcing the Government to ban vivisection.

Horne, a former dustman with a previous conviction for conspiracy to steal a dolphin, was jailed for 18 years in November 1997 after being convicted at Bristol Crown Court of a nationwide firebombing campaign.

Horne staged numerous previous hunger strikes, one lasting 68 days at Full Sutton. During that strike Horne and his supporters caused controversy after the prisoner was admitted for treatment at York Hospital.

Updated: 10:26 Wednesday, March 12, 2003