Boy, 17, drowned in canal after being accidentally punched in by a friend while shadow-boxing

A TEENAGE boy drowned after he was punched in the face in while shadow-boxing with his friend and fell back into a canal.

Sean Stevens, 17, was sparring with Ryan Scott as they walked along the Worcestershire and Birmingham Canal on March 31.

Sean. from Worcester, was "clipped" near the eye by Ryan, 18, before he lost his balance and tumbled backwards.

Another friend Callum Telford, 20, bravely jumped in to try and save Sean - but both boys needed rescuing from the water by firefighters.

Paramedics rushed to the scene at Bilford Top Lock in Worcester after the tragic accident at roughly 8.50pm.

Sean was pronounced dead at Worcestershire Royal Hospital around 11.15pm.

Ryan was later arrested and charged with manslaughter and was due to stand trial later this year.

But the charges were dropped on June 21 after a court heard Sean's death was an accident as a result of "rough horseplay".

Ryan told Worcestershire Coroner's Court how he and Sean were sparring as they walked along the canal on their way back from a friend's house where they had been drinking.

Giving evidence on Monday, he said: "We were having a good time. We weren't putting power into the punches."

He added that while sparring he accidentally "clipped" Sean who lost his balance and fell into the canal.

Ryan said: "I was looking at his face when I did it. I hit him by accident and he fell backwards."

The court heard when he was interviewed by police, Ryan had told officers: "I didn't mean to do it.

"Me and my mate were play fighting and he fell in the canal."

Callum also gave evidence at the inquest and told how he battled in vain to try and save his friend by jumping into the canal.

He described how he climbed down a ladder and tried to feel for Sean in the water.

He said: "I was in shock myself and when I got in the water it was even more of a shock trying to find my mate.

"I tried to grab him but had no feel of him so I let go.

"I was only in there for about a minute."

Worcestershire Coroner Geraint Williams concluded Sean's death was a "dreadful and tragic accident".

He also praised Callum for his bravery and added: "Callum Telford to his very great credit risked his own life going into the lock.

"He swam through muddy water which was up to his face."

Posting a tribute on Facebook at the time of her son's death, Sean's mum Lucy Marshall said: "It is with such heartache that I tragically lost my first born son Sean Stevens last night.;

"I know most of you know already. And I just wish to thank all the well-wishers who have messaged myself and the family.

"Please give us as a family time to take this in and grieve.

"I love you son. Forever in my broken heart. Always."

Sean's girlfriend Beth also posted a tribute on the social media site: "Sean Stevens love you and I know you love me with all your heart.

"I'm glad I have said my goodbyes but I will see you soon.

"Six months of being together was amazing, you was amazing boyfriend, you wasn't afraid of anything or anyone.

"I will never you Sean and I hope you protect me up there we have such fun and a lot of funny times it's a shame you gone the way you did it is heart breaking.

"I hope you are proud of me babe it's so hard for me and I still think your still here, it hasn't probably sunk in yet but you will never be forgotten Stevens.

"I'm here for your family Luce Marshall and Tony Stevens 110%.

"I will make you proud Sean, I remember what you look like in that hospital bed and I will never forget that memory.

"I love you Sean Stevens and never forget that."