A FORMER soldier who refused to take his epilepsy drugs died after suffering a fit in his sleep, an inquest heard.

Stephen Hemlock, 38, had a history of seizures related to alcohol, but ignored doctors' advice to take prescribed medication.

The former Army private was last seen alive by his brother on January 29 at 6.55am.

An hour later he died after having an epileptic fit at his home in Bircham Path, Brockley.

Southwark Coroner's Court heard on May 23 the night before, Mr Hemlock had asked his aunt, Mary Channon, to phone him the following morning.

But when she called just after 8am there was no answer.

At 4pm she went to his home and found him lying on his bedroom floor.

Mrs Channon said: "He had these fits and they were dreadful. I never thought he could die with them."

Coroner Andrew Walker recorded a verdict of natural causes.