A BOOK of paintings by convicted sex offender Rolf Harris was one of the thousands of pounds worth of paintings and money stolen from a Falmouth gallery by one of its employees.

At Truro Crown Court on Friday, Mathew Dobson pleaded guilty to 17 counts of theft and fraud, committed while he worked at The Driftwood Gallery.

The 25-year-old, of Longfield, Falmouth, who asked for 37 other offences to be taken into consideration when he is sentenced, was told the most likely outcome is that he will go to jail.

Philip Lee, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said there was a dispute between the prosecution and the defence about the value of the loss to the "struggling business", which he said was in the region of £30,000.

Terry Eastwood, for the defence, said, "We say £23,000. We say that the pictures were sold to the gallery on a sale or return basis."

Mr Eastwood said the gallery paid £147.50 for the book of Rolf Harris paintings, which the prosecution valued at the retail price of £295.

Mr Lee said: "While I accept that it may be the case where that difference in the context is unlikely to make a significant difference to the sentence imposed, this is a case which has badly affected this small struggling business."

Dobson admitted 13 counts of theft which included five paintings by Kerry Darlington, the Rolf Harris book of paintings, a computer and hard drives and money.

He also pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by abusing his position to cause a loss to the company.

The offences took place between August 2012 and July 2013.

Adjourning the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, Recorder J Wright said: "The fact that I am giving you bail is no indication of what sentence will be.

"All options are open and the most likely sentence involves custody."

Dobson was granted conditional bail to live and sleep at his address and comply with a curfew, to appear before the court for sentence on September 12.

A new challenge has been added to the annual Hayle Supasplash event.

This year the local Hayle committee of Cancer Research UK, which organise the sponsored swim, are launching an additional half-mile challenge prize.

Honorary chair of the committee, Stella Thomas, said: "Half-milers will need to complete 32 lengths, but for everyone else it remains a fun event, with the usual unit of sponsorship - just staying in the water for twenty minutes - meaning that all ages and abilities can give it a go and win one of many other trophies."

The charity event takes place at Hayle Open Air Swimming Pool on Saturday September 6 from 11am to 5pm.

Sponsor forms can be collected from Stella at 43 Penpol Terrace (Carnsew Gallery) or by calling 01736 752226.

A Helston man was found hanged in a police cell in Thailand after being arrested for possession of a class A drug.

Liam Whitaker, 24, was one day in to a three week holiday with friends in Thailand when he was found hanging in a police cell in Bangkok at 4.30am on October 15 last year.

Coroner for Cornwall, Emma Carlyon recorded an open verdict and she was not satisfied there was a legal level of proof that he killed himself.

Cornwall Coroners Court in Truro today heard conflicting evidence from Mr Whitaker's friend James Meredew and officers in the Thai police regarding the events leading up to his death.

Mr Whitaker arrived in Thailand on October 14 and had undertaken a day of sightseeing before going to a bar with his three friends.

Two of the men went back to their room while Mr Whitaker and Mr Meredew had dinner, continued drinking and took diazepam, also known as valium, which they had purchased at a late night chemist.

The pair flagged down a Tuk-tuk motorcycle and Mr Whitaker spoke to the driver about buying harder drugs.

Mr Meredew said: "Liam made some sort of deal with the driver and walked down an alley out of my sight."

A police officer pulled the pair over and found a bag of powder in Mr Whitaker's pocket, which he later said was 0.55 grams of "Ya ice" or crystal meth.

The men were taken to Chanasongkram police station where Mr Whitaker was put in a police cell and Mr Meredew told the court he was led out and asked to take money out of a cash machine.

He said: "All I could make out was that they wanted £400,000 baht [Thai currency] which is £8,000.

"I went out with an official looking man to a cash machine. I took out £100 but couldn't take out any more.

"I don't believe that Liam had knowingly bought that kind of drug."

After returning to the police station the officers said they would not release Mr Whitaker.

Mr Meredew went back to the hostel where he was staying to tell his friends what had happened with the intention of returning in the morning.

He added: "I left him [Mr Whitaker] with the feeling that the situation would be much the same as in the UK. I left thinking it would all be sorted in the morning when Liam had sobered up.

"I left him in good spirits – he was happy drunk."

When Mr Meredew returned around 12pm the following day with his other two friends a British consular told the group that Mr Whitaker had hung himself in a police cell during the night.

There were no witnesses to his death.

Mr Meredew said: "I was shocked and in complete disbelief."

He gave a statement and told the court he paid 1,000 baht for losing a police officer's pen.

He added: "It seemed like we were talking to gangsters and the Thai police seemed to be corrupt.

"It didn't seem safe."

Mr Meredew persuaded the police to let him leave the station for a break and the three friends went to the airport and flew back to England.

In the documents submitted to the court the Thai police did not record asking Mr Meredew for money.

There is also a dispute over where the pair were arrested by the police, Mr Meredew said they were flagged down in the Tuk-tuk, while the Thai police claim they were walking along Ramburi Road near Tanao Road.

Police Senior Sergeant Major Vittaya Siewaddhiparp, the officer who arrested Mr Whitaker and the first person to find his body, said: "Not long after his friend [Mr Meredew] left the police station we took the accused [Mr Whitaker] to the second floor of the station.

"The accused then asked to go to the bathroom and we took him to the juvenile detention room. We shut the door but didn't lock it.

"We continued to record the details of the arrest and waited for the accused. I was an extremely long time.

"[When I opened the door] I was very shocked. I found that the accused had used his own trouser belt to commit suicide."

Detective Inspector David Shelton from Devon and Cornwall police said that there was no evidence of a third party involved in his death as there were not marks on Mr Whitaker's body to suggest there was a struggle and that it was entirely possible he had hung himself.

He added: "We do have a gap in evidence between what was said between James leaving and Liam being found."

The inspector said that Thailand had two police forces and the country was known for corruption.

He added that he was surprised not to have seen a statement from the Tuk-tuk driver.

Toxicology reports carried out in the UK by Dr Simon Elliott found that Mr Whitaker had traces of methamphetamine, ketamine, diazepam and alcohol in his urine.

Blood samples taken from Mr Whitaker's body were destroyed in Thailand before they could be tested in the UK.

His father, Jonathon Whitaker, known as Sam, thanked the police for all of their help in the investigation.

Andrea Whitaker, Liam's mother, said: "We are heartbroken and we want to warn other parents and travellers that Thailand is a dangerous place and people do get scammed."

Dr Carlyon said that no one could be sure how the drugs he had taken affected his mental state. 

Pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffery gave cause of death as 1a, in keeping with suspension and ligature around the neck. 

TONIGHT: 80s meets 90s when Toyah and East 17 play the Falmouth Week festivities in Events Square.

TONIGHT: Rogue Theatre's ever-popular Wild Woodland Summer Ball starts its run among the trees at Tehidy Woods, until August 31.

TONIGHT: Penzance-based prog rockers Blank Panda pummel the town's Studio Bar into submission.

TONIGHT: Miracle Theatre brings its hilarious retelling of The Tempest to Heartlands, Pool.

SATURDAY: Alt-ska band Imperial Leisure present a right old knees-up at Perranporth's Watering Hole.

SATURDAY: Golden Tree Productions' sci-fi take on a Cornish myth, Gogmagog, comes to St Mabyn Village Green.

SATURDAY: From now until August 31, legendary Footsbarn Theatre presents its unique version of Ken Kesey's One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at Carruan Farm, Polzeath.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Cornwall Design Fair continues from 10am to 5pm at Trereife House, near Penzance. Check out the wonderful array of goods being designed and made in the county.

SUNDAY: It's all about your feet at the Barefoot Festival at Godolphin, West Cornwall.

SUNDAY: Cornish comedian on the rise Kernow King brings Falmouth Week to an end with a couple of fellow Cornish comics on Events Square.

Somebody was treated for burns and shock after being involved in a caravan fire near Redruth today.

Fire engines from Redruth, Camborne and Truro were called to the fire at the Wheal Jewell caravan park in St Day just before 4.30pm.

When firefighters arrived the caravan was "well alight," according to a spokesman. 

Firefighters wearing four breathing apparatus and using a covering jet, one hose reel and two jets extinguished the fire. 

Everybody was accounted for but one casualty was treated by ambulance personnel for burns and shock.

Firefighters were called to a blaze in a car in Helston tonight.

The Helston crew arrived at Furry Way just after 6pm to find the fire was out.

The firefighters made the scene safe and police were requested as the vehicle was in a dangerous position.

Falmouth firefighters were called to a farm where a combine harvester was on fire in a field of corn.

When they arrived at Budock Water just before 6pm the harvester was alight and used two breathing apparatus, a hose reel jet and one hydrant to fight the fire. 

The combine harvester was reported to be full of diesel so the Police were asked to help with traffic control and the Environment Agency was informed. 

Crews damped down the vehicle and area and checked for hot spots using a thermal imaging camera.

On the eve of the Cornish Pirates first home pre-season fixture, Chairman of the Board Ian Connell set out the strategic priorities for the club during the coming season and sent out a resounding message to the whole of Cornwall as to why the Stadium development planned for Threemilestone must happen, writes Dick Straughan.

Mr Connell expects a decision on the venture to be made before Christmas, subject to the linked supermarket development gaining approval and reminded doubters of the scheme that "not one penny of tax payers money will be involved" in building the Stadium.

He reiterated that the future of the Cornish Pirates is "definitely in Truro" and added that the objective of the club is to be playing in a Stadium in Truro by September 2016.

He continued: "The business and economic case for the Cornish Pirates playing in a new Stadium in Truro is irrefutable. It is a no brainer. Based on last year`s attendances we would expect an immediate rise of 50-75% by relocating to Truro."

"We believe that by relocating to the commercial centre of Cornwall we will attract bigger levels of sponsorship and investment. This move is vital to the retention of top level rugby in Cornwall."

Since taking over the leadership of the Cornish Pirates following the decision of former owner Dicky Evans to sell the club, Ian Connell has been working hard with the new Board to develop a three-year vision to take them up to the start of the 2016-17 season.

In the shorter term the club has four major priorities for the coming season which include securing an agreement on the Stadium. Should this be further delayed or denied he explained that there is a Plan B.

"We would want to find an acceptable solution to source an alternative stadium in Truro in which we could play," he said. "As a club we want to leave a rugby legacy in Penzance in any case and would look to work with the Amateurs and assist in the return of community rugby to the town."

Alongside the Stadium objective Mr.Connell expects the Cornish Pirates to remain a Championship level club. "This is an absolute given and is completely non-negotiable," he said.

The Pirates board also want the club to remain pro-active in continuing to develop a vibrant programme of Community based rugby in Cornwall in partnership with the Cornwall RFU whom he described as "fully supportive".

Crucially though and with the central funding of Dicky Evans now over Ian Connell stressed the need for the club to remain financially viable.

The club has several schemes in the pipeline to boost matchday revenue and attendances but he explained: "As a club we have a successful seven-figure turnover. If we screw up on that we will lose money pretty quickly."

"There is no question that we have to balance the books. We cannot run a deficit business and must remain solvent. Negotiations are set to open on a new RFU deal for the 2016-17 season and we will be seeking an increase in central funding to the clubs."

The Cornish Pirates play National One side Rosslyn Park at the Mennaye Field tomorrow (3pm).

Cornish Pirates: 15 Sam Marland, 14 Kieran Goss, 13 Tom Riley, 12 Rheon James, 11 Alex Ducker, 10 Kyle Moyle, 9 Tom Kessell;1 Paul Andrew, 2 Aaron Carpenter, 3 Adam Jamieson, 4 Will Carrick-Smith, 5 Darren Barry, 6 Chris Morgan (c), 7 Alex Cheesman, 8 Laurie McGlone.

Replacements: Tom Channon, Jamal Ford-Robinson, Will Graulich, Jake Parker, Joe Atkinson, Matt Bolwell, Stuart Townsend, Bertie Hopkin, Alex Dancer.

Rosslyn Park: 15 Charlie Gower, 14 Robbie Martey, 13 Dante Mama, 12 Courteney Morrison, 11 David Vincent, 10 Thomas Whelan, 9 Luke Carter; 1 Aaron Liffchak, 2 Adam Bellamy, 3 Sam Staff, 4 James Inglis (c), 5 William Bowley, 6 Gregor Gillanders, 7 Harry Broadbent, 8 Michael McFarlane.

Replacements: Scott Wright, Richard Palframan, Alex MacKenzie, Richard Boyle, Jamie Harries, Sam Shires, Hugo Ellis, Jack Gash, James John Kilmartin, Dominic Shabbo, Mark Ireland, Kiba Richards, Charles Broughton, Peter Cole, Anthony Hitchcock.

Referee: Shane Lewis (RFU)

TWO cousins have made a splash to raise cash by undertaking a swim which is thought never to have been done before.

Barney Nicholls and Seth Tomms, from Portscatho, took the plunge on Saturday to raise funds so that kids in the village can learn the skills that they need to enjoy the watersports that are available on the peninsula.

They swam six miles from Summers Beach, St Mawes, and round St Anthony's Lighthouse before making their way back to Portscatho.

Computer programmer Barney and Seth, a plumber, have previously completed Iron Man challenges but decided to dive into something with a difference after learning that their daughters, who attend Gerrans School, will only have limited access to swimming lessons.

Since Barney's brainwave the school has announced that watersports provision will increase from September, but he says there's always potential to offer more.

Accessible

"We wanted to raise awareness locally about getting kids in the water, on the water and under the water and find a way to make it more accessible for them," he said.

Barney himself only started swimming long distances four or five years ago.

"I grew up on the Roseland and I've always been in the water," he said.

"I'd jump off the rocks and swim back but I didn't swim from A to B."

The first leg to the lighthouse, which involved heading straight into the wind and the waves, proved quite challenging but after that – spurred on by their support team – they made it back to the cheers of the crowds.

"I don't know if anybody has done that route before," said Barney.

"I'm not saying it's not been done; we're just not aware of anybody who's done it."

The cousins completed their swim 10 minutes ahead of their target of three and a half hours, spotting giant barrel, moon and compass jellyfish along the way, and raising £750.

They are now working out how to distribute the money in a way that will most benefit local children's pursuit of watersports.

AFTER arguing with a 17-year-old girl, a Falmouth man jumped on her car in rage, doing so much damage it had to be written off – then emerged from his house in his underpants, slathered in baby oil.

At Truro Magistrates' Court Jarrod Joshua Westlake, aged 23 and of Polmennor Road, pleaded guilty to assaulting the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, damaging her car to the value of £2,500 and assaulting her 18-year-old friend.

Gail Hawkley, for the prosecution, said the 17-year-old had been involved in an argument with Westlake.

He shoved her in the chest, causing her to stumble backwards, and when her friend intervened Westlake punched her in the face.

He ran to the car, kicking and punching it, smashing a window, and then climbed on the bonnet and roof, jumping up and down, causing substantial damage.

He punched the older girl once again before going indoors and re-emerging stripped to his boxer shorts, his body covered in baby oil.

When police arrived they used a Taser on him because of his aggressive behaviour and the oil on his body, which made him difficult to restrain.

He told them they would have to lock him up or he would kill someone.

Charles Hulley, for the defence, said the 17-year-old had not wanted to press charges and had been reluctant to attend court.

After studying reports the bench imposed a 12-month community order, including a nightly curfew for three months, told him to pay £145 in costs and surcharge and £100 in compensation to each girl.

Firefighters from Helston were called to a car fire on Furry Way last night.

The blaze was already out when crews arrived at around 6:20pm to make the scene safe.

Police also attended the incident as the vehicle was in a dangerous position.

REPORTS of UFOs are expected to rocket on Monday as the two brightest planets in the sky come together on the horizon.

Jupiter and Venus will be the closest they have been since 2000, forming a spectacular "double star" hanging low on the north-eastern horizon.

They can be seen shortly before sunrise at around 5am appearing only 0.2 degrees apart – less than half the width of a little finger held out at arm's length.

Their combined brightness and low position in the sky could keep police and Ministry of Defence switchboards busy with reports of UFOs.

Robin Scagell, vice-president of the Society for Popular Astronomy, said: "They will be so close together that it's going to be quite a striking sight.

"Undoubtedly people could mistake them for a UFO, especially being so low down. They might appear to move around because of the distortion effect of the atmosphere."

Although the planets appear to be kissing-distance apart as seen from the Earth, they are actually separated by hundreds of millions of miles.

Venus and Jupiter pair up about once a year on average, but their conjunctions vary greatly in separation and visibility. Some are missed completely because they occur in daylight.

The next Venus-Jupiter conjunction is due to occur on June 30 next year, but will be less close.

During Monday's conjunction, Venus will appear six times brighter than Jupiter even though its diameter is less than a tenth that of the larger planet, which measures 86,881 miles across.

That is because Venus is much closer to the Earth and also nearer the Sun, causing its clouds to be lit more intensely.

A pair of binoculars will heighten the conjunction experience, but even a small telescope promises a dramatic view.

Venus will mimic a tiny full moon, while Jupiter appears three times wider. Jupiter will also be accompanied by its four brightest moons strung out in a row.

Ideally the conjunction should be seen from a high unobstructed vantage point.

"People who have buildings, hills or trees in the way might miss it, but even a roof top in London should offer a good view," said Mr Scagell.

THOUSANDS of people have been visiting our website this summer for news, sport, entertainment and information about the local area.

We thought we'd have a look at the best-read stories of the summer so far, with some surprising results.

Here's our top five of the last six weeks, since July 1 this year:

1. Remarkable photo sequence shows RNAS Culdrose Air Day crash landing

A quick-thinking pilot made a crash landing and avoided plunging into thousands of spectators attending RNAS Culdrose Air Day. Smoke was seen billowing from behind the cockpit of the Royal Navy Sea Fury during the penultimate display of the annual event this afternoon.

http://www.westbriton.co.uk/BREAKING-NEWS-Plane-crashes-near-end-RNAS/story-22046371-detail/story.html#ixzz3AXlmD86d

2. Comedian Jethro selling cabaret club

Cornish comedian Jethro has called time on his cabaret club at Lewdown near Launceston and is selling up. Jethro, whose real name is Geoff Rowe, founded the club in 1989, but he is now selling the building and auctioning off its contents.

http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/Comedian-Jethro-selling-cabaret-club/story-21663802-detail/story.html#ixzz3AXmCK89v

3. Storm warning for Cornwall with lightning strikes, torrential rain and golf-ball sized hailstones

Warnings have been issued for potentially 'dangerous' thunderstorms in Cornwall tomorrow, with lightning strikes, powerful winds and golf-ball sized hailstones forecast. The first storms are expected to arrive this evening, with the more powerful wave of extreme weather forecast for tomorrow evening and the early hours of Saturday night

http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Storm-warning-Cornwall-lightning-strikes/story-21652610-detail/story.html#ixzz3AXmTQiYp

4. Recorded music ban could pull plug on Truro's L2 nightclub

A TRURO nightclub could fall silent after a High Court judge banned it from playing any recorded music. L2 Nightclub in Calenick Street was banned from playing any copyrighted recorded music until it brought its music licences up to date.

http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Recorded-music-ban-pulls-plug-disco/story-21645088-detail/story.html#ixzz3AXmrUIP4

5. Filthy, flooded floor led to KFC closure

A FAST FOOD restaurant in Falmouth was shut down because inspectors declared its kitchen "not suitable for food preparation" after a customer raised the alarm. KFC on The Moor was forced to close its doors when an environmental health officer found staff working while "standing in dirty water", and that blood from raw meat was "running onto the flooded floor" and into the kitchen from the food storage area.

http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Filthy-flooded-floor-led-KFC-closure/story-21644380-detail/story.html#ixzz3AXn951rm

Cornish comedy hero the Kernow King and Anna Pascoe of Cornish Orchards, will be giving talks at the Gorsedh Kernow open conference in Torpoint in September.

The Cornish cultural organisation said five speakers have signed up to focus on the topic of "Brand Kernow" during the one-day event.

"We are so pleased that they have agreed to be with us," said Grand Bard of Cornwall Maureen Fuller. "They are very busy people but understand the importance of Cornwall's unique and distinctive culture."

"Ed Rowe, Kernow King, will be talking to us about his experience of building up huge audiences using social media, and with 37,000 Facebook and over 14,000 Twitter followers he should know what he is talking about.

"We are also delighted that Anna Pascoe, business performance manager of Cornish Orchards, will be joining us that day as well," added Mrs Fuller. "It gives us a view from the vitally important world of local business. Their recent work with the Cornish language Kernewek has helped raise the profile of our distinct Cornish culture."

The Gorsedh Kernow Conference is one of many events lined up for this years' Esedhvos Festival, which also includes a book fair and book launch, exhibitions and displays, a Cornish ceilidh troyl, a gala concert and a church service in the Cornish language, as well as the Bardic ceremony in Torpoint's Thanckes Park on Saturday, September 6, where new Bards are initiated and special prizes and awards are presented.

The Conference is being held from 9.45am until 3.45pm on Friday, September 5, in Torpoint Council Chambers, Buller Road, PL11 2LD and is open to all. There is no charge for entry.

First Great Western (FGW) is viewed as being one of the most untrustworthy train companies, according to a new study into customer satisfaction.

The firm said it aims to build better trust with its customers after the study by rail customer watchdog Passenger Focus found it was one of the worst performing train companies for passenger trust.

The survey stated that a number of passengers did not feel train companies were "on their side" and did not trust them to provide a good service.

The rail company said it recognised there was a "trust issue" and will work to address any problems.

The study looked at trust in the delivery of the day-to-day services, focussing on five areas: punctuality/reliability; value for money; problem resolution; helpful staff on trains; and helpful staff at stations.

According to the study Southern, First Great Western and Southeastern services were among the worst rated firms for customer satisfaction.

A spokesperson for Passenger Focus said: "To build greater trust with passengers, it is important not only to deliver a punctual and reliable service but also to build a stronger relationship with passengers, this being based on communicating openly and honestly."

UPDATE: Cornwall's Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury confirmed that no one was injured in the blaze.

He Tweeted: "Serious house fire in Helston, fortunately no one hurt. Sprinklers would have greatly reduced damage."

Firefighters have battled a blaze at a house in Helston this afternoon.

The detached two-storey house was engulfed in flames when crews arrived at the scene just before 12:30pm, forcing them to scramble further engines to assist.

Using two hose reel jets, two covering jets and four sets of breathing equipment crews were able to extinguish the blaze.

A thermal imaging camera was then used to confirm the fire was out, before a positive pressure ventilation fan was used to clear smoke from the property.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said there has been "extensive" damage to the ground floor of the house.

"A fire investigation was carried out into the cause of the fire at 2pm."

It remains unclear as to whether anyone was inside the property when the fire started.

FALMOUTH has been named as one of the 20 friendliest places to live in the UK.

The seaside university town is listed at number 16 in the Daily Telegraph's feature on Britain's 20 Friendliest Places to Live.

Falmouth, which is celebrating Falmouth Week this week and is packed with visitors, is the only place in Cornwall to get a mention in the list, which names Keswick in Cumbria at the top.

Quoting Savills of Truro, the write-up says: "Where other parts of Cornwall have suffered from second-home syndrome and can be inhospitable in winter, here 'there is a year-round buzz, partly thanks to the university campus outside town'."

Jonny Borders, who works as a barista in Picnic and lives in Falmouth, told the West Briton: "I used to live in Wadebridge but fell in love with Falmouth and moved here.

"It's like a lazy seaside town, without being too lazy. There's always stuff foing on in Falmouth. It's quite arty and vibrant but life is quite laid back and relaxed at the same time.

"Everyone is friendly. We don't know everyone on the street but we know our close neighbours and get on with them."

We're looking to find Falmouth's friendliest shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. tell us your favourite, and why, below.

A group of fearless runners have completed a 64-mile ultra-marathon along the tough terrain of the Roseland peninsula to raise cash for charity.

The Roseland August Trail Series – or RATS for short - is now in its third year and involved hundreds of fitness fanatics running distances of up to 64 miles.

The staggering 64-mile Plague race saw Sarah Morwood from Yelverton and Charlie Ramsdale from Dartmouth jointly scooped the first prize.

Meanwhile Richard Keefe ranked an impressive third place.

The race was organised by MudCrew Events, a company specialising in extreme off-road running events.

Friends have been paying tribute to a young Helston man who was found hanged in a police cell in Thailand after being arrested for possession of a class A drug.

Liam Whitaker, 24, was on holiday with a group of friends in Thailand when he was found dead in a police cell in Bangkok at 4:30am on October 15 last year.

Devastated friends of the much-loved Helston man have since been posting messages on the West Briton's Facebook page.

Dewi Patterson-Jones wrote: "RIP Liam bro. Good friend and never forgotten."

Matt Swiggs described Mr Whitaker as: "A great guy, who made a lot of people smile."

Rosie Stevens said: "RIP Liam - so sad to hear this. Thoughts are with your family x"

Trixie Nicholls wrote: "What a terrible waste of a young life. RIP young man and my heart goes out to his family and friends."

Martin Platt added: "Dreadful.....a whole life ahead of him....now gone RIP"

And Kim Bushnell said: "My heart goes out to his parents. RIP."

At an inquest at Truro Coroners Court on Friday, Coroner for Cornwall Emma Carlyon recorded an open verdict into the death of Mr Whitaker.