A MAN who drowned in the bath on Christmas Eve had drunk a large amount of alcohol.

Matthew Piechowicz, 40, of The Paddocks, Lower Stratton, was discovered in his bathroom by his family with a bottle of vodka and a glass nearby on December 24 last year.

His family had planned a get- together on Christmas Day.

An inquest at Swindon’s Civic Offices heard that Mr Piechowicz, an unemployed warehouse man, had been taking a mixture of medications to control anxiety, but would also drink and take cannabis to help him relax.

It was suggested that his anxiety was caused by the unexpected death of his mother in 2004 and death of a pet three years later.

The inquest heard that Mr Piechowicz had attempted to take his own life in 1995 and that on his last visit to his doctor in April 2009 he had been referred on for counselling, but it was understood he had not turned up to the appointment.

Post-mortem toxicology tests revealed Mr Piechowicz had 413 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of liquid. The driving limit is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

Tests also revealed minimal amounts of diazepam, nordiazepam and cannabis.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, assistant deputy coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon Ian Singleton said he had taken into account that Mr Piechowicz had checked the credit left on his mobile phone on December 23.

Mr Singleton concluded the cause of death was submersion in fresh water as a result of alcohol intoxication.

Matthew’s younger sister Heidi Piechowicz paid tribute to him outside the inquest, saying: “It was tragic circumstances. He was a loving son, loving brother, loving friend who is sadly missed.”

She added that she wanted to thank everybody for their kindness.