A CHURCH organist, found dead in a huge plastic bag attached to a vacuum cleaner, was possibly carrying out a bizarre sex act, an inquest was told.

Teesside Coroner's Court heard how Ian Kemp, 48, was found at home naked, with his hands and feet bound, inside the bag.

Coroner Michael Sheffield told an inquest there were no indications he had intended to die and that the vacuum had sucked all of the air out of the bag.

There were no suspicious circumstances but such incidents are sometimes connected to sexual gratification.

Mr Kemp, organist at Hardwick Baptist Church, in Stockton, was found by family friend Vivienne Brand on January 26. He had lived alone since the death of his mother.

Detective Inspector David Turnbull, of Cleveland Police, told the inquest he was called to Evenwood Close, Stockton, at 10.40pm that night.

He said: "I saw the body of a small naked man lying inside a large plastic bag in the foetal position."

Det Insp Turnbull said Mr Kemp's legs were tied at the shins by brown parcel tape and his wrists were tied together by a silver chain.

The court heard that the vacuum cleaner was attached to the plastic bag and was switched on when the body was found.

Home Office pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper gave the cause of death as suffocation.

He said: "I do not see how he could have been forced into that position."

Toxicology tests showed Mr Kemp had not taken any alcohol or drugs.

Mr Sheffield said: "There were no signs that he intended to end his life.

"It can be done for some form of sexual gratification, but it's not clear what Mr Kemp's intentions were."

Mr Sheffield recorded an open verdict.

Minister Philip Tait said Mr Kemp had been a member of the church for 26 years.

He said: "He was a friendly man, a kindly man, always ready to give a helping hand."

He added: "He was a self-taught amateur, but one of the best church organists I have ever heard."