Mother "unconvinced" son's death was accidental

A mother whose son drowned after night out in York in April 2019 says she remains "unconvinced" his death was an accident.

An inquest has been told his wallet was stolen on the night he died and that someone tried to use his card.

A witness says they also heard shouts of "help me" coming from the river in the early hours of April 13th.

Search crews went out looking for Sonny, but they called off their efforts after just half-an-hour.

His body was found on the banks of the River Foss the next day.

Assistant Coroner Jonathan Leach concluded that Mr Ferry's death was an accident.

Speaking after the inquest, Kate Ferry, 49, from Ketton, in Rutland, said she was not surprised at the conclusion, but added: "I am unconvinced that Sonny's death wasn't more than just an accident.''

She continued: "The last thing I would want is for my son's death to be through anything other than an accident, but I don't think the evidence could be described as being non-suspicious.''

Kate also praised the emergency services who attended the river on the night of her son's death.

But she felt police could have made more door-to-door enquiries.

Since Sonny's death, the family have campaigned to raise funds in his memory to buy the York Rescue Boat a newer and more capable replacement lifeboat.

The Sunshine Campaign has since raised more than £32,000 of its £45,000 target.