A FORMER Ponteland High School pupil who died after falling into a Manchester canal earlier this year was barred from getting on a bus home, an inquest heard.

The body of Charlie Pope (18) was discovered in the Rochdale Canal on March 2 after he disappeared on a night out on February 28.

An inquest at Manchester Coroner’s Court last week heard from flatmate, Louis Wright, who told how the pair had attempted to head home more than four hours before his death, but a bus driver had deemed Charlie ‘too drunk’ to board.

After returning to a bar, Mr Wright later left, assuming Charlie was with other friends or at home. CCTV last placed Charlie walking down Whitworth Street in Manchester city centre just before 5am.

It is believed he fell into the Rochdale Canal some time after 6am.

Det Insp. Gareth Davis confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Dr Al-Haba, pathologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary, said Charlie had died from drowning, exacerbated by cold shock, hypothermia and alcohol intoxication.

He concluded it was likely Charlie would have suffered a ‘cold shock’ on entering the water.

Coroner Nigel Meadows said Charlie’s death had been accidental after consuming a ‘not insignificant’ amount of alcohol.

The Manchester Water Safety Partnership commissioned an independent report, which made 11 recommendations including the need for more lighting, fencing and safety equipment along the waterways.