RELATIVES of an alcoholic who died as a result of his drinking say they hope his death might prove a warning to others.

Stephen Ball, of Mill Moor Road in Meltham, died from problems caused by chronic alcohol abuse, a Huddersfield inquest heard.

The single 42-year-old former jeweller’s apprentice and supermarket worker had started drinking heavily after his father’s death in 1990.

He would down half a litre of whisky and several pints of beer a day.

Despite repeated warnings from his family and doctors he continued to drink, even when his addiction caused him to start suffering from epileptic fits.

After eight years out of work Mr Ball died at home in June from massive heart failure.

His sister, Kathleen Culling, discovered his body on June 6.

After the inquest she said: “He did try to get help, but he could never give up.

“Alcohol abuse is such a common thing among men in their 40s and I don’t think a lot of them realise the risks.

“I would hope that Steve’s death would send a warning to people that this is a serious problem. Hopefully other people can learn from this.”

Coroner Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict that Mr Ball died of natural causes.