Drinker drowned in river

A man drowned in a river after consuming almost four-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit in alcohol, an inquest heard yesterday .Karl Waller, 38, who was a known drinker, was last seen by his girlfriend two days before his body was spotted by a passerby at the Little Ouse near Spring Walk, Thetford, on September 7 last year.

A man drowned in a river after consuming almost four-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit in alcohol, an inquest heard.

Karl Waller, 38, who was a known drinker, was last seen by his girlfriend two days before his body was spotted by a passerby at the Little Ouse near Spring Walk, Thetford, on September 7 last year.

Giving evidence at the hearing at Norwich last Wednesday, Maureen Bugeja said Mr Waller had left their home at Baron Court, Old Market Street, with a large bottle of vodka which was three-quarters full at about 6pm on September 5.

He had walked into another room to have a conversation on his mobile, which she said was unusual for him, and then said he had to go out. She did not see him again.

PC Pete Warby, who was called to Spring Walk, said there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Waller had 374mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood - the drink-drive limit is 85mg - which Home Office pathologist Nat Carey described as "severe".

Greater Norfolk Coroner William Armstrong recorded a verdict of accidental death as a result of drowning while under the influence of alcohol.