A WEST PONTNEWYDD pensioner died from drowning, an inquest heard yesterday.

Gwent Coroners’ Court, sitting in Newport, heard how on September 15, 2012, the body of Michael James Phelps, 75, was found in the Monmouthshire/Brecon Canal near Cwmbran Retail Park after a member of the public saw the body and alerted Gwent Police.

The fire service and paramedics attended the scene but a pulse could not be found.

A post mortem examination said that Mr Phelps died of drowning and that alcohol or drugs were found in his system.

The examination also established that there had been no foul play.

Senior Gwent coroner David Bowen recorded a verdict that Mr Phelps was found drowned.