BEREAVED mother Jane Langley believes many questions are still to be answered concerning the night her son Stuart disappeared.

Stuart Johnson, then 22, vanished on December 18 last year and his body was found in the River Avon in Chippenham on January 19.

Mrs Langley, of Unity Street, told an inquest on November 1 she did not know why her son had dressed in old clothes that evening, when he had a wardrobe full of designer clothes.

She also asked why he had changed his mind about going to socialise with the Black Horse Football Club, instead visiting his friend Martin Riley. "I feel he had to meet somebody," she said.

The inquest heard that Mr Johnson, a ground worker for North Wiltshire Direct Services, went to Mr Riley's house, had a few drinks, then set off with friends for the Rose and Crown. Mr Johnson lagged behind and never arrived at the pub.

Later some teenagers met Mr Johnson in an alley between London Road and Wood Lane. One said she saw her friend pull back a fist to hit Mr Johnson.

Forensic pathologist Dr Alan Anscombe said Mr Johnson had a black eye and a small bruise on his thigh. But he said the cause of death was immersion in water.

The inquest continues Thursday November 2.