Readers may remember the sad news last week when we reported that a body had been found at Newport Bus station early on Thursday morning.
The coroner’s inquest was opened and adjourned today during which the identity of the person was confirmed to as Scottish journalist, Joe Owens, who worked at the County Press.
It is understood (via the CP) that Mr Owens had been at St Mary’s Hospital the day before he was found dead, complaining that his plaster cast was too tight and causing him pain.
It was said that a security guard at the hospital mistook him for being drunk when he was later found asleep in the car park.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, he was found by a cleaner at the bus station and the police were called.
Former Scottish National Union of Journalists chair
Mr Owens, a former chair of the National Union of Journalists’ Scottish Council, moved to the Island to work as a sub-editor for the Isle of Wight County Press from Valencia, where he previously worked as news editor for a Spanish national news Website.
He is described by a former colleague on All Media Scotland as a talented journalist, great trade unionist, socialist and leading activist.
He leaves behind him not only his son, but what appears to be a great many friends in Scotland.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Image: Jonathan Gill under CC BY 2.0
