A MAN whose body washed up on the shore in Ipswich died after suffering personal difficulties, an inquest has heard.

A MAN whose body washed up on the shore in Ipswich died after suffering personal difficulties, an inquest has heard.

Brian Jordan had been missing for six weeks when his body was discovered near the West Bank dock on February 26.

An inquest into his death heard how Mr Jordan, 28, had been under stress at around the time he was last seen, on January 8.

Coroner Dr Peter Dean heard statements from Mr Jordan's wife, Eleanor, and his mother, Christina, who both said he was going through difficulties.

It emerged that police launched an appeal to find Mr Jordan after his family reported him as missing, but their hunt had proved fruitless.

A post mortem failed to ascertain the cause of death, although Dr Dean said he could not rule out the possibility of drowning.

He said there was no suggestion of any third party involvement.

Born in County Limerick on August 10, 1979, Mr Jordan had been living in Pauline Street in Ipswich at the time of his death.

Dr Dean, recording an open verdict, said: “It's been a long and difficult time for everyone connected to Brian's loss.

“It may be likely his death occurred very soon after he went missing. We must consider the possibility that there may have been some act on Brian's part resulting from the stresses he was under.

“But there is no direct evidence of that and we can't rule out the possibility of an accidental fall into the water.

“Where we don't have evidence the only appropriate conclusion is for me to record an open verdict.

“There is no evidence he came to harm at the hands of another person and there's no direct evidence of suicidal intent.

“The possibility of a tragic accident can't be excluded either.”

Would you like to pay tribute to Brian Jordan? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk