A THIEF died after jumping into a river to escape a police plane he thought was giving chase.

An inquest at County Hall in Durham heard how 21-year-old John Fisher, of Moorlands, in Gilesgate, went missing in the early hours of Monday, February 12 after plunging into the River Wear.

Mr Fisher, who had learning difficulties, had been stealing copper wire from the NEEB compound near the city centre with his friend, Stuart Wild, when they saw the police plane circling overhead.

Although the plane was on another operation, Mr Wild said they thought it was looking for them and they ran off towards the riverbank.

"We still thought they were after us because the aeroplane was still above us," he said.

He told the inquest they decided to cross the river to escape capture and went into the water together but became separated.

Mr Wild made it to the other side and assumed his friend had managed to cross.

He said: "I just expected him to go home like I did."

Mr Fisher was not reported missing until Monday evening and his body was found by police on Saturday, March 17.

A post mortem examination failed to establish the cause of death but pathologist Dr John Zuk told the inquest it was not suspicious.

Mr Fisher's mother was too upset to attend the inquest but his aunt, Tracy Morgan, said he was not a strong swimmer.

She added: "John had learning difficulties. He kept himself to himself. Stuart Wild just called and called. He would never have gone out that night."

Andrew Tweddle, North Durham Coroner, recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He said: "John and Stuart had gone out to steal some copper when they heard the police aeroplane circling above them.

"They put two and two together and thought the aeroplane might be after them.

"John, although he was a swimmer, wasn't the strongest of swimmers and whereas Stuart managed to cross the river and continue on his way home, John didn't.

"It is most unfortunate that, for whatever reason, John's attempt to cross the river failed that night."

The court heard how police do not plan further action against Mr Wild.

Updated: 17.35 Tuesday, April 10