Lee Tompkins, aged 33, drowned on 23 June, 2009, after swimming in the sea.

Mr Tompkins, who was from Weston-super-Mare, died after being swept out to sea while swimming off rocks near to Birnbeck Island along with his friend Dave Ellams, aged 35, who also died.

Mr Tompkins’ former girlfriend, Amy Elliott, who was in a relationship with him and was the mother of one of his four sons, Finley, said: "It has been a devastating time.”

"We were together for three-and-a-half years and had our son Finley but recently we went through a painful break-up.

"Finley doesn't know what's happened, which makes me sad but also glad, as he does not have to go through this pain.”

Mr Tompkins, who was a carpenter by trade, was temporarily working at the Anchor Head Hotel.

Mr Ellams’ body was found first at Clevedon Bay on 30 June, 2009, and within hours Mr Tompkins’ found on the other side of the Bristol Channel.