AN open verdict has been recorded in the case of a man who drowned in the River Stour last year, an inquest has heard.
The body of Daniel Bennett, aged 40, was discovered in the river near Kings Avenue, Christchurch, on May 27, 2015.
Mr Bennett, who had a long history of alcoholism, had last been seen at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital seven days earlier.
His grieving mother Susan Green, who appeared at yesterday's coroner's hearing, said in a statement read to the court: "I spent 15 years trying to help him but the drink always came first."
The last time she spoke to her son, was at his bed & breakfast accommodation three weeks earlier.
His body was found close to Mrs Green's home.
Tests showed he was three times over the drink drive limit, which medical experts said was a level consistent with intoxication, heavy drunkenness, confusion and vomiting.
A post mortem confirmed cause of death as drowning.
Recording an open verdict, assistant Dorset coroner Richard Middleton concluded: "The exact circumstances surrounding Mr Bennett's death are unknown."
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