Penguin art director found dead at Lewes home

The body of John Hamilton, Penguin Random House’s long-time art director, was discovered by his wife Claire in the bedroom of their home in St Swithun’s Terrace, Lewes, on February 10.

Analysis of a blood sample showed he had 463 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal drink-drive limit is 80 milligrams.

The inquest at Eastbourne Town Hall heard Mr Hamilton was feeling under the weather on the day he died. He was also tired after a particularly challenging week of work in London.

The father of two had drunk beer at a football match that day and later a quarter bottle of whisky.

He was unsteady on his feet that evening and went to bed early. He was later found lying on the bedroom floor with his head on the corner of the bed.

Mrs Hamilton paid tribute to her husband in a statement read out at the inquest, describing him as a devoted family man who was warm, charismatic and kind.