A pensioner whose body was found in a Worcester canal had slipped into the stretch on a previous occasion, an inquest has heard.

William Patrick Devlin's body was found on the morning of Wednesday, September 5, last year, by a passer-by in the canal near Hamilton Road and the city's Commandery Museum.

"According to his ex-wife, he'd slipped into the canal once before when he was on his bicycle," Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round told the inquest at Stourbridge.

"He was known to be a heavy drinker and was last seen leaving a nearby pub at 11pm the previous night."

A report by pathologist Dr Terry Jones said Mr Devlin's body had 255mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, which is more than three times the drink-drive limit.

Drowning

Dr Jones' report said the cause of death had been drowning, with a secondary cause of heart disease.

Mr Round said he was satisfied with a detailed police probe into the death of the 69-year-old grandfather, who was known to many as Paddy.

He said it was probable the former car mechanic slipped into the canal while making his way to his home in Dent Close, off Wyld's Lane.

"It's most likely he slipped. The area is unlit and relies on lighting from nearby streets," he said. "However, there's no suggestion the path was too narrow where he was found."

Mr Round said in the absence of conclusive evidence, he had to record an open verdict.

"It appears to have been a tragic accident and although there is no sign of foul play, I still have to record an open verdict," he said.