A 73-year-old retired teacher from Knighton, who was confused as a result of her medical condition, was found dead in her garden pool, an inquest heard.

The Assistant Coroner for South Wales Central, Ian Boyes, was unable to determine how Olive Winifred Freer ended up in the pool, so an open conclusion was given.

The inquest heard that Mrs Freer, who lived with her daughter in Whitton, had been in and out of hospital with a urinary tract infection (UTI).

“On May 16, her daughter contacted the police to say she couldn’t find her in the house,” Mr Boyes said. She had looked outside and was “not able to find her,” the inquest heard.

Medical evidence read out at the inquest, which took place in Welshpool last Friday, heard that Mrs Freer had been between Hereford and Llandrindod Wells Hospital. She was also known to the community mental health team, as she had delirium; episodes of confusion as a result of her UTI.

Her daughter said that she was “concerned about going back to hospital”.

Robert Rayner, a fire officer for the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said that there was decking on the left hand side of the pool, which had previously collapsed. The firefighters removed the decking boards and entered the pool, where they found the body.

“She was no doubt in a confused and distressed state,” Mr Boyes said.

The medical cause of death given was immersion; drowning. “There’s no evidence as to how she entered the pool,” Mr Boyes said. “Whether deliberate with her own hands, or if she slipped,” he said. An open verdict was recorded; where there is simply not enough evidence to return another verdict.

“Sincere condolences to the family of Mrs Freer for their loss,” Mr Boyes said.