by Keyan Milanian

An inquest into the death of popular teenager Sonny Pataria, who was found in the River Medway, has recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Sonny - who lived with his father in Gravesend but spent much of his time with friends and family in Medway - celebrated his 18th birthday just days before his body was found in the river at Gun Wharf on February 11.

He had been at a friend's wedding reception the night before.

An inquest was held at County Hall, Maidstone, on Wednesday.

At the inquest, CCTV footage of Sonny walking outside Commissioners House, where the reception was being held, and then crawling along a wall beside the river near Gun Wharf.

North Kent coroner Roger Sykes was told there was no reason to suspect foul play.

Pathologist Dr David Rouse read from a report prepared by colleague Dr Michael Heath, which said there was no evidence of external injuries and, according to blood and urine samples, Sonny was just over three times the legal drink driving limit.

Mr Sykes recorded a verdict of accidental death due to drowning and a contributing factor as severe alcohol intoxication.

He said: "This is both desperately tragic but also very clearly nothing more than an accident. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

"A picture has been painted of a very happy young man, it is desperately tragic that he put himself in danger."