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AN inquest lasting up to eight days is to start next week into the tragic death of a diver working on a canal lock in Tewkesbury more than three and a half years ago.

A jury is to be empanelled for the inquest into the death of David Moore, 29, of Southsea, Hampshire, and it will be taken to look at the scene of the tragedy on the first day of the hearing next Wednesday.

The inquest is being held at the Manor by the Lake Hotel in Cheltenham and is expected to continue until Friday 23.

Mr Moore, a professional diver employed by a contract diving company working for British Waterways, was beneath the Upper Lodge Lock gate at Forthampton on 15th October 2004 when he became trapped.

He was rescued and taken by air ambulance to Cheltenham General Hospital but died soon after admission.

The lock gate was closed for five months after the accident so a full investigation could be carried out by experts on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive.

It was thought that a temporary dam collapsed on top of Mr Moore and he was trapped for 15 minutes before being freed.

After investigations into the accident were complete a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service where lawyers decided no criminal charges were justified.

However, it is understood Mr Moore's family were unhappy with that decision and they will be legally represented at the inquest to question those involved in their son's fatal diving operation.

The inquest gets under way at the hotel on May 14 at 10am and the jury will then be taken to see the lock before evidence is called.

2:39pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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