Deadly embrace

A keen snake handler may have been killed by a “show of affection” from his 8ft pet African rock python, an inquest was told.

Dan Brandon, 31, was asphyxiated at his home in Church Crookham, Hants, on Aug 25 last year. He had owned Tiny the snake since it was small enough to fit in his hand.

Recording a misadventure verdict, Coroner Andrew Bradley said there were no bite marks or sign of aggression and “if anything it was a show of affection”.