An investigative journalist with a dark past met his tragic end after plunging from a marina walkway while under the influence of alcohol, a coroner's court has heard.
Robin Marchant, 54, who had previously been convicted of a double murder in France, died from drowning after falling into the water at Swanwick Marina in Hampshire. The inquest revealed he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before the fatal incident on August 22.
A Life of Contradictions
Marchant's life story reads like a thriller novel - from respected journalist to convicted killer. The Winchester inquest heard how the 54-year-old had been working on various investigative projects while living on his boat at the marina.
On the evening of his death, Marchant had been drinking heavily before venturing out onto the marina's pontoons. Hampshire area coroner Jason Pegg recorded a conclusion of accidental death, stating the alcohol consumption likely impaired his balance and judgment.
French Murder Conviction
The journalist's past came back to haunt him when he was convicted in absentia by a French court for the 2008 murders of two people in the Alps. Despite this conviction, Marchant had continued his work as an investigative reporter, maintaining his innocence regarding the French charges.
Friends and colleagues described a complex man who was both brilliant and troubled. One associate noted that Marchant had been "working on significant stories" right up until his death.
Marina Safety Concerns
The incident has raised questions about safety measures at marinas, particularly regarding lighting and railings on walkways. While the coroner found no fault with the marina's facilities, the tragedy highlights the dangers of combining alcohol with waterfront environments.
Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Marchant's death. A toxicology report showed he had 281mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - more than three times the legal driving limit.
The case brings a dramatic close to the life of a man who straddled two worlds - that of truth-seeking journalist and convicted criminal - ending in a tragic accident that has left the journalism community reflecting on one of their most controversial figures.
