Scaffolding boss Martin Durow, from Hunslet was found face down in the swimming pool of a villa in Cyprus after spending the evening with his wife and a group of friends which included the former Leeds and Great Britain rugby player.

An inquest heard how Mr Schofield was among those who tried in vain to resuscitate Mr Durow while emergency services arrived.
Mr Durow's brother Graham told the court of his shock over how such a fit and healthy man and a strong swimmer could have died in such a way.

Martin Durow, of Springfield Place, had gone on holiday to Cyprus with his wife Cath last July and bumped into life-long friend John Wilkinson and Garry Schofield, who were sharing a villa on the island.

Two days later, on July 19, Mr Wilkinson, owner of Hunslet pub The Parnaby Tavern, phoned the Durows and invited them around to his villa.
The group spent the afternoon and evening eating and drinking by the poolside of the villa in the resort of Protaras.

Mr Schofield and his partner, Alison Clayton, went to bed at 12.30am.
A short time later Mr Wilkinson's partner, Debbie Shaw and Mrs Durow, also went to bed.

In a statement read to the court, Mr Wilkinson said he and Mr Durow had another drink before he went to bed around 1.30am.
Mr Durow told him he would also be going to bed shortly after finishing his drink.

Hours later Mr Wilkinson woke up to have a cigarette and discovered his friend in the pool.
He said: "I noticed Martin laying in the pool face down. I thought he was swimming and then realised he wasn't moving.

"I told Debbie and we jumped straight in.
"Debbie pulled his arms and I lifted him and shoved him from the rear.
Debbie then immediately started CPR but I knew it was hopeless."

The court heard how Mr Durow's flip flops were placed neatly together beside a chair, suggeting it was unlikely that he had slipped into the water.

Mr Wilkinson added: "My own thought is that he had gone in the pool to watch the night sky.
"He could swim for England. It's just a tragedy because he was on top
form."

In a statement Mr Schofield said: "Everyone was enjoying themselves, reminiscing about old times, rugby and everything.
"We were all nicely merry. Martin was playing host and handing the drinks out."

Mr Schofield said he went to bed but awoke around 4.40am when Mr Wilkinson and his partner raised the alarm.

He added: "I immediately attempted CPR but I knew it was hopeless. I have got to say I was amazed at the lack of police investigation and the fact that they only took one statement."

Pathologist Dr Godfrey Coast said Mr Durow's injuries were consistent with drowning and he could find nothing to suggest the death was suspicious.

He agreed with Coroner Mr David Hinchliff's suggestion that water hitting the back of the throat could sometimes have a "paralysing affect".

Mr Durow's brother Graham, told the court: "It is the not knowing that's the problem. We are left wondering how it is possible for someone perfectly healthy to drown."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Hinchliff said: "I suspect that your brother might well have been on a lilo in the water at the time and have fallen asleep and could well have suddenly gone into the water.

"Water hitting the back of the throat causes a paralysing affect and I think he would have gone down just like that."

Talented amateur RL player Mr Durow ran a scaffolding business, Duroscaff, with his brothers Nigel and Graham, who both live in south Leeds.