A MAN with a history of alcohol abuse who was found dead on his sofa died of natural causes, an inquest has heard.

The body of Thomas Hynes, 52, of Hanover Street, was found lying on his sofa with tablet packages and alcohol bottles by his side, York Coroner’s Court heard.

Mr Hynes, a builder, was pronounced dead by paramedics called to the address on May 5, 2010.

A post mortem examination found that Mr Hynes had died of dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart had become weakened and enlarged and could not pump blood efficiently, due to chronic alcohol dependence.

Recording a verdict of natural causes, Coroner Donald Coverdale said: “I have noted that Mr Hynes had a history of alcohol dependence.

“This was not an episode of alcohol poisoning. It is more to do with Mr Hynes long-term lifestyle.”