A depressed scaffolder suffocated after drinking a lethal concoction of alcohol and drugs, an inquest heard.

David Stannard, of The Holt, Abingdon, died after drinking almost a bottle of whisky, lager and a small amount of methadone, a drug prescribed as a substitute for heroin.

His father Robert told Oxford Coroner's Court the 23-year-old had become depressed because he had to give up his job as a scaffolder and carpet fitter following a shoulder injury.

He had been kicked out of his home by his girlfriend shortly before his death on September 19 last year.

Mr Stannard had been drinking with friends Jason Redford and Clare Monaghan at a flat in Ock Street, Abingdon.

He fell asleep next to Miss Monaghan, who woke a few hours later to find him dead.

Pathologist Ian Roberts said levels of methadone found in Mr Stannard's body could be lethal for someone not used to taking the drug.

Robert Stannard said his son liked to drink, but was against drug-taking.

Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner said a "lethal mixture" of drinks and drugs had caused asphyxiation. He recorded a verdict of accidental death.