A WOMAN intentionally drowned a coroner has concluded.

Rosina Elizabeth Griffiths, of Caersws, was found in the River Severn near the bridge in Caersws on August 29 last year. She was 84.

At an inquest conducted in Welshpool, Andrew Barkley, assistant coroner for South Wales and Central, said the emergency services were called to the riverside by a fisherman.

A post-mortem report gave a likely cause of death as drowning.

Mr Barkley submitted reports to the hearing from Mrs Griffiths's GP and the Powys Teaching Health Board Mental Health Service which indicated she suffered with depression and anxiety.

She had moved house in the previous year but was unhappy in her accommodation and wanted to move.

Police Constable Steve Williams gave evidence to the inquest to state that on the day Mrs Griffiths was found the river was relatively shallow, it would not have carried her, and she had sustained no injuries.

He added that it was "inconceivable" that Mrs Griffiths could have fallen in to the river and said there was no evidence of "foul play".

When officers attended at her home, they found notes written by Mrs Griffiths on the coffee table with one stating she "could not live any longer".

Mrs Griffiths's son Huw Griffiths also gave evidence to the inquest.

He said that about four or five days earlier, he had spoken to his mother on the phone, and halfway through the conversation she said she "could not stand" the house she was living in.

Mr Griffiths said: "She said she wanted to walk into the river, "lie down and it's all going to go away" and "don't cry over me"."

But Mr Griffiths added that he did not realise that was what his mother might have been intending to do, and offered to help her move to other accommodation.

Mr Barkley recorded a conclusion that Mrs Griffiths had intended to take her own life and that her death was caused by drowning.

He said: "I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Mrs Griffiths entered the river intending to take her own life."

Mrs Griffiths's brother John Evans also spoke during the hearing to praise the "vast amount of" and "wonderful support" his sister had received from medical professionals.

If you have been distressed by this report or need help, you can ring Powys Samaritans on 116 123, or Mid and North Powys Mind on 01597 824916