Mystery remains over fatal fall

The reason why a popular barman fell to his death by the canalside in Compton may never be known, a coroner has said.

Nicholas Lloyd, who lived in Perton, was discovered at the bottom of steps off Bridgnorth Road in July. Toxicology reports showed alcohol levels in his blood were more than double the legal drink-drive limit, today's inquest in Wolvherhampton was told.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, city coroner Mr Allen said: "It seems likely he was walking from the town centre and I am satisfied he was on his way home. I am also satisfied that for some reason we shall never know, he embarked upon a descent of the steps and lost his footing and fell."

A post mortem revealed hi had died as a result of a head injury.

The inquest into the death of the 25-year-old heard how riverboat resident David Bradley had been alerted to the tragedy by other canal users, who saw Mr Lloyd's body as they sailed past.

Mr Bradley had a set of keys to a gate at the bottom of the stone steps, which was put in place to stop people getting to the canal during the night.

The inquest, at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court, was told Mr Bradley unlocked the gate and called police after finding Mr Lloyd lifeless at the foot of the steps, near Alex's Cafe Bar.

Mr Bradley said he had been staying on a narrowboat opposite the towpath near where Mr Lloyd was found.

"I was alerted to something by the gate by a passing boat," he said. "I went down there and I could see that it was a body."

Pc Paul Jones, of Bilston Street police station, said Mr Lloyd had been out drinking with colleagues the night before and they had left Wolverhampton at around 1am on July 28. His body was found at around 8am on the same day. Pc Jones said it was not known how Mr Lloyd had planned to get back to his home in Franklyn Close, Perton.

Mr Lloyd had worked in pubs including Rothwells in Wolverhampton, the Chestnut Tree in Finchfield and former city centre bar O'Neill's.

Rothwells bar manager Leanne Hennessy said he would be sadly missed by all of the staff.