An experienced climber from South Brent fell to his death when the knot on his rope came undone, an inquest has heard.

Donald Wiseman, 56, had more than 28 years experience when he fell 10m from an indoor climbing wall in Exeter in May last year.

A jury inquest at Exeter’s County Hall heard that the former parish councillor’s knot came untied as he reached the top.

Environmental health officer Martin Westcott told the court that Mr Wiseman had not re-threaded his figure-of-eight knot properly.

He said: "This was a tragic accident due to human error."

Friend Liam Hockey said that he and Mr Wiseman had been climbing for more than two hours when the accident happened at Exeter Quay Climbing Centre on May 25, 2018.

At about 4.30pm Mr Wiseman climbed to the top of one of the most challenging walls and his figure-of-eight knot came loose.

The court heard Mr Hockey, who was holding the rope for Mr Wiseman, would not have known it was not attached.

Climber Roy Cousins heard a crash and "saw a large cloud of dust and a man on his back."

He told the inquest that the impact had lifted the floor tiles.

A post-mortem concluded Mr Wiseman died from a "massive chest injury due to a fall from height".

The inquest heard that there were no problems with the harnesses or climbing gear.

Mr Wiseman’s wife Marion told the inquest that he had a reputation as a "good and considerate climber".

The jury concluded the death was accidental at an inquest on Wednesday, July 24.

His former council colleagues paid tribute to him after the hearing.

Cllr Cathie Pannell, Chairman of South Brent Parish Council, said: “Donald was a valued and respected member of the parish council, who proved to be a highly effective chairman of our finance committee.

"His quiet and friendly manner was much appreciated by all of us who knew him during the years he served on the council.”