Ex-teacher drowns in a water butt

A RETIRED teacher was found drowned in a water tank by a family member.

Yesterday neighbours were still shocked by the death of Robert Steel, 65.

Mr Steel was reported missing on August 11, but found later that day in the butt at his £700,000 home in Downton, Wilts.

Police have ruled out a crime. A near neighbour said: “It is so sad.”

Mr Steel stood for the Greens in a local election and fellow party member Michael Pope said: “He was a great chap. It is tragic.

“He was a very active member of the party.”

An inquest at Salisbury, Wilts, was adjourned to a date to be fixed.