THE death of a Hampshire defence worker in a huge explosion was “avoidable”, an inquest heard.

Anthony Sheridan, 37, died instantly in the blast at a factory in Middle Wallop, near Stockbridge in July 2006.

No-one knows how it happened although Health and Safety Executive witness David Chapman said: "The most likely cause was metal on metal contact which detonated the nitro-glycerine with catastrophic effect.”

The five-day hearing in Winchester heard of a number of failings by the factory operator, Wallop Defence Systems.

There was an accumulation of the explosive material over a 13-month period, the building in use was not suitable, the responsibility for disposal of nitro-glycerine was unclear and Mr Sheridan was not trained in its handling.

Deputy central Hampshire coroner Simon Burge, said: “This was an avoidable death in my view – we would all hope that lessons have been learned as a result.”

The jury spent three hours in reaching its decision after the coroner ruled out a possible verdict of unlawful killing following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service last August.

After reviewing all the evidence, the CPS said there was insufficient evidence to bring a charge of manslaughter.

“It would not be appropriate for me to give you that option,” Mr Burge told the jury.

The jury, in its narrative verdict, said that guidance from the HSE in handling NG was not sought after the material was identified as a by-product in April 2004.

The coroner added there was no suggestion during the lengthy proceedings that Mr Sheridan, of Pound Road, Over wallop, had done anything wrong. He was very good at his job, the inquest heard.