A popular fisherman accidentally drowned on his birthday when he fell into a harbour, an inquest ruled yesterday.
Gary Roberts had returned from a fishing trip to celebrate his 53rd birthday at the Swordfish pub in Newlyn on March 13 this year.
The inquest in Truro heard how Mr Roberts, who lived in a caravan at Paul Manor Farm, had got himself dressed up following the trip and planned to return to the boat, the Britania 4, afterwards.
Swordfish barmaid Michaela Stevens told the court Mr Roberts had drunk more than usual and had been refused a lift in a taxi.
She was aware it was his birthday and recalled him drinking Special Brew and whisky. She said. "I called him a taxi at around 11.30pm– 12.15am but the taxi driver refused him so he stayed.
"Later I tried to get him to leave because I had to lock up."
That was the last time anybody saw Mr Roberts until his body was found in Newlyn harbour on April 9 by industrial chaplain Keith Dickson.
He had been doing his usual tour around the harbour when he noticed a "sizeable item" in the water. He alerted the harbour office and the Penlee lifeboat crew was tasked to recover the body.
Coxswain Patrick Harvey said he recognised Mr Roberts immediately from the gold and black rugby top he always wore.
Assistant Coroner for Cornwall Dr Peter Blackwell- Smyth recorded a verdict of accidental death.
article copyright WESTERN MORNING NEWS