Man who died in A39 layby near Barnstaple died of natural causes

THE body of a timeshare manager was discovered in a wooded area outside Barnstaple after he had suffered from heart failure, an inquest heard.

David Bowles, 60, of Chalet 13, Woodford Bridge Hotel, near Holsworthy, was discovered by security guard Craig Murfit in the wooded area near Rooks Bridge layby on the A39 near Roundswell on June 7.

The inquest into his death was held at North Devon Magistrates' Court today where it was heard Mr Bowles had collapsed in a state of undress having parked his silver Ford puma.

Pathologist Dr Russell Delaney confirmed Mr Bowles, had a long history of ischemic valvular hypertensive heart disease and had previously suffered a stroke.

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PC Adam Sinclair, who attended the scene, said he had become suspicious when the Ford vehicle had been unattended since the previous evening.

During his shift, PC Sinclair had pulled into the layby and said there was also another estate-like dark-coloured vehicle parked.

Mr Sinclair said: "I went to speak to the male in the estate car. I enquired what he was doing. He told me he was looking at the planet alignment."

The court heard how Mr Sinclair returned to the layby at 5.50am to find the silver vehicle was still there. He could see the keys were still in the ignition and the fuel gauge showed the tank was nearly empty. He proceeded to search the wooded area along with Mr Murfit, who later found the body.

Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland concluded Mr Bowles died of natural causes.

After the inquest Paula Bowles said: "David was a much loved family man. He did have a series of ill health. He will be greatly missed by all the family."