Accident verdict on man who drowned in pond

Andrew Hutchison's disappearance sparked a police investigation, which included a search of his Allangate Drive home and the arrest of another man.

But on December 23, the day after the arrest, the drowned body of Mr Hutchison, 50, who had been missing since November 18, was discovered in the grounds of Churchfield House, near St Mary's Church, East Preston, the inquest at Worthing heard.

Coroner Roger Stone was told Mr Hutchison had a history of alcohol problems and had been periodically cared for by his stepbrother, Philip Beavis, of Selbourne Place, Littlehampton.

Unemployed through disability, Mr Hutchison spent various spells in Worthing and Southlands hospitals in the year prior to his death.

In the spring and summer of 2005 he enjoyed a family holiday in Canada. Upon his return in July, he moved back into his own home, where his drinking worsened.

A post-mortem examination later revealed a degree of hypoglycaemia in Mr Hutchison; a deficiency of sugar in the blood.

Coroner's officer Darren Moffatt told the hearing the condition was not sufficient in itself to account for death.

But, he added, it may have caused a degree of confusion and affected judgement and may have contributed to Mr Hutchison's subsequent immersion in the pond.

Verdict: accidental death.

l The 48-year-old man arrested in connection with Mr Hutchison's disappearance was later ruled out of the inquiry, without charge.