A MAN who died as he made his way home from a pub lock-in, had drowned, an inquest heard yesterday.

An inquiry into the death of Michael Burrup, 36, from Stanhope, was opened at Bishop Auckland Magistrates Court, yesterday.

His father Keith spoke to confirm his son's details, and told the court that prior to his death, his son had been off work about six weeks after an accident at work.

The foundry worker, who lived alone in Railway Terrace, was found lying face down in a pool next to another man, near the Heather View Caravan Site, Stanhope, on June 9. The second man was hauled from the water unconscious.

Mr Burrup had been making his way home with three companions after a drinking session at the Pack Horse Pub, in Stanhope.

In a statement read out in court, Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter said the cause of death was drowning.

The inquest was adjourned pending criminal proceedings.

A 26-year-old Sunderland man was arrested and charged with manslaughter on Tuesday.

He is due to appear before Sedgefield magistrates next Wednesday.