Man died after falling into canal in Burscough

Feb 2 2012 by Michael Byrne, Ormskirk Advertiser

A 63-YEAR-OLD man, who died after falling into the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, may have fallen into the waterway while riding his bike home from the pub.

The body of Geoffrey Eaves, 63, was found in the water near to New Lane, Burscough, on the morning of July 25 last year.

Mr Eaves, who was born in Southport, was a retired farmer and lived on a canal boat named Harriet, near Heaton’s Bridge.

An inquest into his death at Ormskirk Magistrates Court heard that he had been in the Ship Inn the night before.

DI Richard Coates, told the inquest: “We have tried to trace Mr Eaves’ last steps and a Mr Barker said he saw him in the pub.

“He was seen leaving the pub at 10.45pm and heading in the direction of his home.

“I strongly believe he was riding his bike along coping stones by the canal. The ground is rutted and uneven and there is a slope there.”

The police didn’t treat the death as suspicious at the time.

DI Coates told the inquest Mr Eaves’ body was checked and there were no signs of violence or theft from him. His bike was found very close to the water’s edge, about 100 yards from where his body was found.

Stephen Dundas, pathologist, said information given to him by the coroner’s officer showed Mr Eaves was not depressed and he was going to have a large boat made.

An examination of Mr Eaves’ respiratory system showed there was watery fluid that was frothy in appearance that was consistent with freshwater drowning.

Mr Dundas added: “There was a 9cm contusion extending from his right elbow. He could have got that from hitting his arm on the side of the canal trying to get himself out.

“A toxicology report showed he had 224mg of alcohol per decilitre in his blood. This compares to 80mg which is the legal limit for driving.”

Simon Jones, deputy coroner, said: “I would sum up that Mr Eaves fell into the canal the night before he was found. He had been riding along the canal on his way home.”

Verdict: Accidental death