AN inquest was being opened by a coroner in Taunton on Monday (August 4) into the death of a West Somerset burglar who died after appearing in court.

Nicholas Miall, aged 55, burgled Alcombe Pharmacy, in Minehead, and was arrested at the scene by police who attended the premises in March.

Miall, who was homeless and had a prosthetic leg, admitted two burglary-related charges when he appeared before magistrates in Taunton a short time later.

But, he was then found dead on April 4, before he was due to be sentenced by the magistrates in June.

Inquest openings see evidence of identification and a cause of death presented to the coroner before proceedings adjourn to a later date for a full hearing.