Jurors visit scene of canal death

An inquest jury has visited the scene where a diver died after becoming trapped in water during maintenance work at a canal in Gloucestershire.

It heard David Moore, 29, of Southsea, Hants, was under the Upper Lode gate near Tewkesbury when he died in 2004.

Det Insp Simon Atkinson gathered the jurors at the lock side to show them where a dam seal had failed.

The jury was also shown a computer animation illustrating how the mechanics of the lock function.

Det Insp Atkinson, of Gloucestershire police, said: "It is important to appreciate the flow of the river and the size of the lock. It's a busy, busy place with lots of people running around doing things."

The Gloucestershire Coroner Alan Crickmore told the jury that Mr Moore was part of a maintenance team draining the lock, leaving the walls and floor exposed.

The Crown Prosecution Service decided that no criminal charges were justified. Gloucestershire Constabulary, the Health and Safety Executive and British Waterways are all represented in the case.

The hearing continues.

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