A former Sussex man was electrocuted as he turned on a water pump in his back garden, an inquest heard.

Jonathan Averill, 34, had walked down to the river bank in the grounds of the chateau he shared with partner Tony Mundell in Mezieres-en-Brenne, in the Loire Valley, France, on June 17.

Coroner Alan Craze, sitting at Eastbourne Magistrates Court yesterday, heard there was dew on the grass and Mr Averill, born in Cuckfield, near Haywards Heath, had not been wearing any shoes when he plugged in the pump which drew water from a pond.

The court was read a statement from French police which said it was likely Mr Averill, a landscape gardener, had died because water had got into the socket causing it to electrocute him.

Pathologist Jane Mercer, who carried out a post-mortem at Eastbourne District General Hospital, said burns had been found on Mr Averill's wrist and heel, indicating electricity entrance and exit marks.

The court heard his parents Sheila and Kenneth Averill, of West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, had been staying with their son at the time.

Mr Averill said: "He had done it so many times before. He left his shoes by the back door and walked across the garden in bare feet."

His wife told the court she was making tea in the kitchen in the morning when Mr Mundell went outside to see where her son was.

The court heard he had run back screaming and asked the couple to turn off the electricity and call the emergency services.

Dr Mercer said wearing rubber soled shoes may have protected him against the full force of the voltage.

Despite efforts from doctors and paramedics, Mr Averill died from his injuries. His body was brought to England for a post-mortem.

Mr Craze recorded a verdict of accidental death.