A BELOVED man drowned whilst he was intoxicated, an inquest ruled.

Jack Morrad, 28, was found in the fishing lake in Gloucester Park, Basildon on January 3.

He had been missing since the early hours of December 23 last year, when he was spotted walking home after a night out with friends.

Following a 12 day search of the area, and the fishing lake being drained, Jack was found.

The inquest into his death was held today at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford.

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray heard evidence from DCI Lee Morton, who led the investigation into Jack's disappearance, who stated that police found no evidence of third party involvement in the death.

In her conclusion, Caroline Beasley Murray said: "At the time of his death he was living in Putney but happened to be in Basildon in readiness for being here over Christmas.

"He sadly died on January 3, as that's when his death was confirmed, at Gloucester Park fishing lake.

"The police were heavily involved in this, very active in the search for him and the court has heard very helpfully from DCI Morton this morning, and the view police have come to is there was no foul play, no suspicious circumstances.

"I ordered a post-mortem examination and it has given a verdict of 1a drowning whilst intoxicated.

"In the light of all the evidence that has been brought before this court, on the balance of probabilities this was an accident. 

"More likely than not, he slipped in, and that's what I'm going to record."

Addressing Jack's family members in court, she said: "What a tragedy. He was clearly much loved, you have said he was clever, witty, warm and handsome young man with a great work ethic. Loved by his friends, work colleagues and bosses alike, and he was uniquely talented and irreplacable."