A MAN found dead in the River Severn in Worcester had a history of depression, an inquest heard.

Worcestershire coroner Victor Round told an inquest yesterday that the body of Kevin Stevens was identified by his tattoos after being pulled out of the water near the Ketch Inn on March 27.

The inquest at Stourport-on-Severn heard that Mr Stevens, aged 38, of Wheatfield Court, Callow End, Worcester, had been reported missing a month earlier.

His friend Carl Cresswell said on the night he disappeared, February 26, they had been drinking in Worcester.

In a statement read to the court, Mr Cresswell said they made their way along the river towards Diglis Weir.

"He says he fell asleep in the weir area and didn't know what had happened," said Mr Round.

Mr Stevens, a divorcee, was described as being an alcoholic who had been battling depression.

His partner, Susan Linsey, said in a statement that he had spoken many times of "ending it all".

His clothing was found on the banks of the river a short distance from where his body was found.

Recording an open verdict, Mr Round said although a post-mortem examination had shown death was due to drowning, there was no indication as to how he got into the water.

"There is no evidence to suggest that Mr Stevens was assaulted prior to his death or any others factors involved in him being in the river," he said.