THE SISTER of a man who died after he was assaulted has criticised police after the man who attacked him was cautioned for the offence.

Paula Gouge, of Camden Street, Gosport, said the manner of alcoholic John Cooper's death was shocking enough, without the stress of coping with what she described as an inadequate punishment for the man who admitted hitting him.

The assault was not responsible for the death of Mr Cooper, 54, of Tudor Close, Gosport.

He died at the Royal Hospital, Haslar, on October 29. An inquest into his death is expected in January. The interim cause of death was liver failure.

A Gosport man was questioned by police about the days before Mr Cooper's death. The man, aged in his 40s, from Holbrook, admitted assaulting him and accepted a caution from police.

Mr Cooper, known as a life-long alcoholic, was found at his home by his sister severely bruised on his left side, with two black eyes and a broken arm.

Mrs Gouge, of Camden Street, Gosport, said: "No matter how my brother led his life, he doesn't deserve to die like this. He was an alcoholic and we all know that, but I loved him and he did no harm to anyone.

"The police said the injuries were mainly from falling over when he was drunk, but I just don't believe it.

"John told me in hospital who attacked him and I am not saying this man killed him. There's no evidence to say he died due to being hit.

"But this man, who was his friend for more than 20 years did admit to the police attacking my brother. I was shocked when the police told me he was just given a caution. People get cautions for shoplifting, not for hitting a weak defenceless man.''

She said her brother was ill and weak from liver damage due to alcoholism. Mr Cooper was a peaceful man who never hit anyone.

Mrs Gouge said: "Just because my brother was an alcoholic doesn't mean his life was worth any less than anyone else, but that's what it feels like now. This punishment is an insult and injustice to his memory.''

Det Insp Clive Merrett, of Gosport CID confirmed a man had been cautioned for the assault on Mr Cooper and said the attack did not cause his death.

He said: "The police inquiry has been closed on Mr Cooper's death. There is nothing suspicious about his death. His main injuries were consistent with someone who had a propensity to fall down due to his drink problem.

"The police investigated the death and the circumstances in the days before he died as fully as possible, but his death still remains a mystery. I have sent a report to be considered by the coroner.''

Mrs Gouge said she would await the results of the inquest before deciding whether to take the matter further.