THE inquest into Terry Reynolds' death heard that he probably died after a tragic accident.

He was found in the River Medway at Halling in January this year, nearly three weeks after he disappeared after celebrating New Year's Eve with friends.

Pathologist Dr David Rouse said it was almost impossible to give a precise time of death, but the evidence was consistent with it being in the early hours of January 1.

The inquest heard Terry, a lift engineer from Alamein Avenue, Wayfield, Chatham, had been enjoying a night out at the Casino Rooms in Rochester when he stepped outside for some fresh air.

He tried to get back into the club a few moments later, but was refused entry because he was drunk.

Coroner Roger Sykes recorded an open verdict because he said there was "a crucial lack of evidence".

He said: "I would say the strong probability is that no other person was involved, but I cannot exclude this possibility entirely."

* Full story in Monday's Medway Messenger.