AN inquest was due to resume today into the death of an animal rights activist who suffered liver failure after staging a series of hunger strikes.

Barry Horne, who was serving an 18-year jail term for a firebombing campaign, died on November 5, 2001 after being admitted to Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester.

Horne, from Northampton, had been detained at Long Lartin jail near Evesham, until four days before his death.

The former dustman was jailed in November 1997 after being convicted at Bristol Crown Court of a nationwide two-year firebombing campaign that caused damage estimated at £3 m.

The jury inquest was being held by the Worcestershire coroner Victor Round at Stourport.

Mr Round told the opening of the inquest on November 7, 2001 that Horne, aged 49, had died after going on hunger strike.

The coroner said the father-of-two had given written instructions not to be fed.