Source: The Wiltshire News

23 November 2007

By Journal Reporter

ONE of the oldest convicted cannabis growers died in prison following a row about food, an inquest heard.

Albert Axton, 71, from South Gorley in the New Forest, who suffered from heart disease, collapsed in a meeting with wing representatives and prison staff at Winchester prison.

In September 2006, Mr Axton was sentenced to 18 months in prison after a jury convicted him of cultivating and conspiracy to supply cannabis. The judge at the time said a three-year sentence would have been appropriate but he was taking into account the defendant’s poor health and previous good character.

The inquest in Winchester heard that Mr Axton had suffered a series of health problems. He had undergone a double heart bypass and had bad arthritis in his right ankle.

He had become excited and animated during the meeting before suddenly slumping sideways in his seat.

Dr Adnan Al-Badri, consultant pathologist at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, carried out the post mortem examination on Mr Axton.
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Dr Al-Badri said that Mr Axton was obese, had an enlarged heart and there was also evidence of previous heart attacks.

Dr Al-Badri also said that despite Mr Axton having a double heart bypass, the arteries that had been replaced had once again become blocked.

“From what I heard Mr Axton became excited and the state of his heart was really very poor and he could have died at any time, for example from exercise, but getting stressed exacerbated his condition,” said Dr Al-Badri, who said in his opinion cause of death was due to heart disease.

The inquest jury returned a verdict of death by natural causes.

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