Man confronted in online sting found dead on M4 motorway

A man confronted by online paedophile hunters was found dead on a motorway having suffered multiple injuries, the opening of an inquest has been told. Adrian Smith, 48, from Chipping Sodbury, south Gloucestershire, featured in a livestream by self-proclaimed "child protection service" groups on the evening of February 21. He was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police that night and released from custody the following day.

Avon Coroners' Court heard Mr Smith was found dead under a bridge between junctions 20 and 21 of the M4 motorway at 6.52pm of February 22. Police previously said Mr Smith was seen falling from a height onto the carriageway at about 6.40pm before being struck by vehicles. ADVERTISEMENT