A FATHER killed when he was hit by a train at Pleasington station was the tragic victim of an accident, an inquest has found.

A jury at Blackburn Town Hall hearing into the death of 54-year-old Michael James Brennan, of Cross Barn Grove, Darwen, was told he suffered multiple injuries on September 9.

They heard Mr Brennan was an alcoholic and had been four times over the drink-drive limit when he died. He also had money problems, although a debt for £5,000 owed to Natwest bank had been written off shortly before his death.

On the day he died, Mr Brennan, who had not worked for several years, had visited Preston for a medical check-up. He then bought a ticket to Pleasington and was last seen leaning against a pillar on the platform at Pleasington station at around noon by the driver and conductor of the train he got off.

Less than half an hour later he was pronounced dead by paramedics after being hit by the Blackpool North to Leeds express.

Gordon Thompson, the driver of the train, which was not due to stop at Pleasington, was forced to make an emergency stop when he spotted Mr Brennan lying at the side of the track.

He originally thought he

had seen a pile of black bin bags but as he got closer he saw Mr Brennan's foot.

He said: "He was lying next to the wall as if seeking some kind of shelter. He was laid as if asleep.

"Whether he moved as the train went past or the draft of the train dragged him under the wheels, I don't know." An orange carrier bag containing four large cans of Strongbow cider, two of which were empty, were found nearby.

Pathologist Dr Richard Preston said he believed Mr Brennan would have died instantly from the injuries to his legs, chest and head.

The victim's son, Stephen, told the inquest, called by coroner Michael Singleton, his father was an alcoholic but his family had not known about his money problems until after his death.

Friend Andrew Golden said Mr Brennan suffered mood swings. He had been aware of his financial problems and knew he was worried about his debts. He added: "I wouldn't have expected him to commit suicide."

The inquest heard there was no indication why Mr Brennan had travelled to Pleasington as he had no family or friends living there.