A private education tutor held at HMP Liverpool on 45 child sex crime charges has been found hanged in his prison cell.
Steven Heatman, 50, a partner at Maghull-based Tuition Express was found by guards at 0515 BST on Saturday.
He had been due to appear for a second time at Bootle magistrates' court.
He was charged on 17 June with offences including engaging in sexual activity with a child, making indecent images and assault.
Merseyside Police said that Heatman's alleged victims had been told that the investigation had closed with his death and that they are being offered support.
Heatman of Moss Lane, Maghull, worked as a tutor for 25 years.
'Conduct investigation'
A Prison Service spokesman said: "HMP Liverpool prisoner Steven Heatman was found hanging in his cell.
"Staff attempted CPR and paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at 0545 BST.
"As with all deaths in custody the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation."
A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that all known alleged victims have been notified of Mr Heatman's death at HMP Liverpool on Saturday.
"While the criminal investigation into allegations against him has been concluded following his death, officers continue to provide the appropriate onward support to victims, along with local authority partners.
"There is no evidence implicating anyone else in this investigation."
Source: BBC