AN inquest into the death of a Haverigg Prison inmate found hanged in his cell has begun hearing evidence in front of a jury at Carlisle Crown Court.

Keith Abbott, 32, had been under the care of a mental health team during 2015 while on remand at HMP Liverpool. He was also subject to an assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) plan used by the prison service to identify and care for those at risk of self-harm or suicide.

That plan was closed before he was transferred to Haverigg Prison after receiving a four-year custodial sentence.

Mr Abbott, from Edge Lane in Liverpool, was found hanged inside his cell on July 15, 2016.

Jurors heard Home Office pathologist, Dr Alison Armour, found evidence he had been subject to a "serious sexual assault" shortly before his death.

Giving evidence Dr Armour also described a number of unusual features on his body, including a "complex and intricate ligature" - the like of which she hadn't seen during her 30-year career.

"Because of all the unusual features," she concluded, "I could not exclude that an unlawful act had occurred in the death of Keith Abbott in the process of hanging."

Police made a number of arrests in the wake of Mr Abbott's death, but after an investigation no charges were brought.

Senior Cumbria coroner Kally Cheema stressed to the jury the inquest was not a trial but a fact-finding requirement. There is no question about apportioning or attributing blame to named individuals or organisations."

They will consider evidence provided by about 60 different witnesses, including prison staff members and medical professionals.

The inquest, which is expected to last up to a fortnight, continues.