Tragic end to night out (From Stourbridge News)

Tragic end to night out

3:39pm Friday 1st February 2008 in Local

A NIGHT out ended in tragedy for a retired Stourbridge businessman who was found dead at his Hagley Road home.

In inquest into the death of Alan Parkes, aged 77, was told he was found dead in his bath in the early hours of October 9 2007.

The hearing, on Friday February 1, was told Mr Parkes died from asphyxiation after a post mortem revealed traces of food in his lungs and respiratory system.

Mr Parkes, a retired managing director, had also consumed alcohol during a meal with friends prior to his death, which pathologist Dr Sixto Batitang suggested may have affected his consciousness.

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain said there was little evidence about Mr Parkes' level of consciousness at the time and he was not convinced drink played any part.

Mr Balmain recorded a verdict of accidental death.