50ft plunge tragedy of reveller who got trapped in car park

A MAN fell to his death while attempting to escape from a car park after becoming 'trapped, an inquest heard.

- THOMAS GEORGE

Craig Hodkinson, 33, died after plunging 50ft into the River Croal in Bolton town centre in the early hours of September 13 last year. An inquest at Bolton Coroners Court heard that Craig had spent the hours prior to his death drinking at a number of pubs around Bolton.

While at the Swan and Barristers pub, Craig 'bumped into' an acquaintance, Elliott Riley. At about 1am, the pair left the pub and headed to Mr Riley's flat in nearby Stone Cross House.

Craig left the flat at about 4am as Mr Riley had to get up for work the following morning, the inquest heard. Mr Riley said he offered to phone a taxi for Craig but he insisted on walking home.