A CORONER has apologised to the family of a 25-year-old man who died in the Netherlands after they waited nearly two years for his inquest to be heard.

Carl Bradford, of Ellerbeck Close, Workington, was found dead in a canal in Ultrecht on June 3, 2021, just 10 days after moving abroad to start his “dream job”.

At an inquest into his death held at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court on Thursday, his sister said the wait had been “unacceptable” and had put a “large weight” over their mother, who felt unable to attend.

She said: “The wait for two years has not been acceptable. The anniversary of his death is in two months. That is a long time for any parent who has lost a son to have to wait.”

Coroner Robert Cohen said: “I agree.

“I’m very sorry for the delay you have been through. It’s not acceptable. We try to have inquests in six months. We have failed.

“You are quite right to raise it. Some of it has been going back and forth between the Netherlands and Britain.”

An emotional tribute was read to the inquest from Mr Bradford’s mother, Julie.

It said: “I have loved Carl for every moment of his life and I’m so proud of the young man he became. It was a privilege to be a part of his life. He was my wonderful, beautiful son.

“I can’t think ahead to my life without him. He will always be with me. I will still have my four beautiful children but one will be with me forever in my heart.”

The inquest heard that Mr Bradford was an identical twin, born in Plymouth.

Growing up, he had a “vivid” imagination and was always sensitive to the needs of others. He was a talented footballer and musician.

He was close to his brother, David and sisters, Amanda and Claire.

The family lived in Gibraltar for a while and Mrs Bradford said her son later told her these were the best days of his life.

He studied biomedical sciences at Northumbria University in Newcastle and graduated top of the class, with a first class degree.

Mrs Bradford said her son was “always modest” in his achievements.

He secured a job in Cambridge, where he met his girlfriend, Jamie. He decided to move to the Netherlands with her to start a new life.

The inquest heard that Mr Bradford was reported missing on June 3,2021, by his girlfriend.

Items were found next to a canal and a search was carried out. Mr Bradford’s body was recovered from the canal.

An occupant of a boat on the canal reported hearing an English-speaking man having an “intense and emotional” conversation over the phone.

A statement read to the inquest from Mr Bradford’s GP said he had been treated for depression and anxiety and was prescribed antidepressants.

A post mortem report revealed Mr Bradford had a large cut. A toxicology report found nothing significant.

READ MORE: Man with history of alcoholism died after drinking bottle of vodka

Mr Bradford’s family also raised concerns over his relationship with his girlfriend and her own mental health issues. They described her behaviour after his death as “very strange”.

Mr Cohen said he understood the family’s concerns but it was not for him to determine why but how Mr Bradford came to his death.

In his concluding statement, Mr Cohen said: “It’s more likely than not that he died as a result of his own act.  He intended to end his life or cause himself really serious harm.”

Mr Cohen concluded that Mr Bradford died by suicide.

Turning to Mr Bradford’s family, the coroner said: “You have been the victims of unacceptable delay. We will be feeding that back to anyone who works for this service. It shouldn’t have happened.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.