THE family of a pensioner whose body was found in the River Wear have welcomed plans for more safety measures after his death was ruled an accident.

Robert Porter, of Spennymoor, was found in the river near Durham’s Framwellgate Bridge, on September 3, after going missing the night before.

The 78-year-old was a resident at the Spennymoor-based sheltered housing complex, Sycamore Lodge, and had been reported missing by staff just before 1am.

Sitting at Crook Coroner’s Court today (July 17), assistant coroner Crispin Oliver, heard how the pensioner made his regular trip from Spennymoor to Durham and had enjoyed a meal in the Water House Wetherspoons, at about 7pm.

Detective Constable, Nigel Dowd, of Durham Police CID, played CCTV footage which showed Mr Porter walking down North Road, at about 9.20pm.

He then made his way down the steps towards The Bishop Langley pub but went out of view and was found after a member of the public reported a body in the water at about 3pm the next day.

Consultant pathologist, Paul Barrett, said a post mortem confirmed the cause of death was immersion in water.

He also found no alcohol or drugs, other than those prescribed to him, in Mr Porter’s system while he said it was unlikely his diabetes, epilepsy or high blood pressure had anything to do with his death.

A report from Mr Porter’s GP also stated he had suffered mental health problems before but had been stable for almost a year.

Mr Porter’s niece, Karen Spowart, said she had taken Mr Porter to visit the opticians earlier that day and had left his glasses to be fixed as Mr Oliver questioned whether Mr Porter relied on them as he did not appear to be wearing them that night.

She also said she was concerned about that part of the riverbank.

“I think it’s a very dangerous area and I think they could have put something to warn people or railings at that part because when you come down the steps the ground is unlevel,” she said.

Mr Oliver concluded that Mr Porter died after having an accident on the riverbank and after writing to Durham City Safety Group, was satisfied that several safety measures were going to be put in place along that particular stretch.

Talking after the hearing, Miss Spowart, said: “I’m relieved it’s over and we got the right verdict because you don’t just have to be a student to have an accident if something’s dangerous – I’m happy with the recommendations.”