The driver of a car which was smashed in half after hitting a tree would have faced criminal charges had he survived, an inquest heard.

Lee Parker, a 28-year-old builder from Moorland Road, Witney, was more than twice the drink-drive limit and travelling nearly 30mph above the speed limit when he lost control of his car going around a bend on the B4450 between Churchill and Chipping Norton on May 1 this year.

The crash killed him and friend Paul Turner, 23, of North Leigh, who was one of two passengers flung from the car.

The inquest recorded a verdict of misadventure for Mr Parker's death and unlawful killing for Mr Turner.

Assistant deputy Oxfordshire coroner Dr Richard Whittington said: "The combination of excessive speed and drinking is something no normal safe driver would contemplate.

"That car was driven in a manner completely contrary to how a safe and careful driver would drive. It was grossly negligent.

"I hope the manner and story of how these two came by their deaths may be something which will terrify other people and remind them of the great need to drive safely and soberly."

The inquest at Oxford Coroner's Court heard Mr Parker was drinking in a Witney pub with Mr Turner prior to the crash before being picked up by his uncle, Stefan McEwan.

Mr McEwan drove to his girlfriend's house, then, as he got out of the car, Mr Parker slid into the driver's seat.

Despite Mr McEwan telling his nephew he didn't think he was fit to drive, he drove off anyway.

Mr Parker picked up colleague Mark Smith, of Chipping Norton, before the crash.

Mr Smith survived, but suffered injuries including a ruptured aorta, fractured pelvis and collapsed lung.

He said he did not remember what happened, just waking up on the grass verge surrounded by firemen.

He described Mr Parker's driving as "erratic and unsafe".

Based on tyre marks at the scene, collision investigator Steve Moffatt estimated the speed at 88mph, which he said was too fast to safely negotiate the bend.

PC Roger Marshall told the inquest Mr Parker would have been prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol had he survived.

Mr Turner's family, who live in North Leigh, said they believed unlawful killing was the right verdict and paid tribute to their son and brother, who worked as a marquee erector.

A former pupil at Wood Green and West Witney primary schools, Mr Turner lived at home with his parents and youngest sister Ann.

He also had two other sisters and an older brother.

His parents Ed and Tricia Turner said: "He was very loving and loyal and he loved his family.

"He loved fishing with his nephews and socialising with his friends. There is a very big empty hole in our family without him."