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30
Oct
Inquest opens for man found dead in Ripon Canal
An inquest opened today (October 30) for a Ripon man who was found dead in Ripon Canal.
Lifelong Riponian Shaun Barton’s body was found in the canal in the early hours of Sunday, September 13.
Mr Barton, 60, was a familiar face in the city on his mobility scooter.
The inquest at Northallerton Coroner's Court heard he died on September 12 and the cause of death was recorded as heart disease and immersion in water.
It was also heard that he had become “disorientated and lost” prior to the incident.
Shaun Barton. Pic: Gemma Cox
The inquest was adjourned, with more details to be heard at a later date.
Mr Barton’s daughter, Gemma Cox, told the Stray Ferret that there were “unanswered questions” over what happened to her father in the hours after he left Ripon Bowling Club, apparently in good spirits, on the Saturday night.
Ms Cox said she didn’t know why her dad had taken a different way home that night and questioned why police had not checked CCTV or ring doorbell footage, especially as she understood two young people on bikes had been seen in the area at around the time her father left the club.
She has launched a fundraising appeal to pay for her dad's funeral and associated costs.
North Yorkshire Police said after Mr Barton's death there was nothing to suggest any suspicious circumstances.
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