A convicted paedophile was found dead in his cell at Wormwood Scrubs days after being recalled to prison for breaching his licence conditions, an inquest heard.

Lee Crossley, of The Ham, Brentford, was convicted in 2012 of an offence "involving an indecent act with a minor", and he was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for the historic offence, West London Coroner’s Court heard on Monday (February 1).

The 39-year-old designer was released on licence later that year but was recalled to prison on December 18 – two days before his licence was due to expire – after breaching the conditions, jurors were told.

He was found dead in his cell at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, in Du Cane Road, White City, five days later on December 23.

The inquest heard written evidence from Mr Crossley’s former probation officer, who said he had appeared "very remorseful" for his actions and had been attempting to get his life back on track.

However, when police made an unannounced visit to his home on December 12, jurors were told, officers found a large number of children’s items which he claimed to have been selling on eBay.

This was a breach of his licence conditions, which prevented him from undertaking any new work without prior approval.

His licence was revoked and he was recalled to prison for a period of 28 days, the probation officer said, as his actions were deemed to represent a possible risk to the public.

The probation officer said Mr Crossley had previously attempted suicide while in custody prior to conviction but had never disclosed to her any suicidal thoughts or self-harming following his release from prison.

Nurse Peter Atere, who assessed Mr Crossley on his return to prison, said the new inmate had appeared to be depressed but "very stable".

The inquest, which is scheduled to last two weeks, continues.