Open verdict on train driver death (From The Oxford Times)

Open verdict on train driver death

9:30am Friday 31st August 2012 in News

A TRAIN driver killed by a locomotive on his day off was unlikely to have been contemplating suicide, his family have said.

Robert Courts died near Heyford train station in Lower Heyford and an almost-empty bottle of vodka was found nearby.

But an inquest at Oxford’s Old County Hall yesterday could not determine the circumstances surrounding his death on March 26.

The hearing was told the single 57-year-old, of New Road, Banbury, had suffered depression in the past but had bought a return ticket to and from Heyford station.

The talented musician was also awaiting the release of his band’s CD.

His body was found at about 8.45pm.

A post-mortem was unable to establish Mr Courts’ alcohol levels but the pathologist said his body smelled strongly of alcohol.

Coroner Alison Thompson recorded an open verdict.