Male Nurse Drowned at Paignton: The mystery surrounding the death of Percy Cooch, aged 29, a male nurse, whose body was found in a crevice in the rocks off Preston Sands, Paignton, on Sunday, was unsolved at the inquest conducted at Torquay yesterday by Mr. G. E. Windeatt (deputy-coroner), who returned a verdict of “Found drowned.” Janie Alice Nash, Seaway-arcade, Seaway-road, Preston, identified the body by a shirt and tie Cooch wore, which she purchased for him. He resided with her from 1912 to January 1929. Dr. H. C. Adams said he examined the body on the rocks at Preston. He considered the man had been dead a month. He could see no signs of violence. The probable cause of death was drowning.
OUT OF WORK: William Henry Pinsent said Cooch had been living with him for some time at Totnes. He remained with him until Friday, January 10. He left the house about 6.30 p.m. that day to have supper with friends at Bridgetown. He did not return, and in January witness reported him missing to the Totnes police. He was out of work most of the time he was with witness. Charles Wills, of the Manor Inn, Preston, Paignton, said about 8.30 p.m. on January 10 Cooch came into the bar and was served with refreshment. He played a game of crib with a customer, and left again shortly after 9 p.m., telling the witness had to take a bus. Edwin Milner, of Le Bon Fish Café, Preston, said Cooch came into his cafe about 9.45 p.m. in January and had supper. He left about 10.15 p.m., saying he was going to catch the bus for Totnes. Witness saw him later, but he did not say why he had missed the bus. He appeared to be quite capable of looking after himself. When he left the witness on the last occasion, he went down Seaway-road in the direction of the sea front. Witness knew the deceased well and he appeared to be in his usual good health when he last saw him.
The Deputy-Coroner, returning a verdict of “found drowned,” said there was no evidence to show how Cooch got into the water. Mr. Windeatt expressed his deep sympathy with Mrs. Nash, who had had “considerable trouble with this young man.”
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Referenced
GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949