Man died after downing pint of vodka in four seconds

A young man died after a drinking session in which he downed a pint of vodka in four seconds, an inquest heard. The grieving family of the “popular” Teesside man in the “prime of his life” warned others about the dangers of binge drinking. Richard Davies, 29, of Lincoln Place, Thornaby, was left “paralytic” after drinking with friends in the early hours of January 16 this year.

An inquest at Teesside Coroner’s Court heard that, at the end of the night, Mr Davies drank a pint of vodka in just four seconds - despite an attempt by his best friend to take the glass off him. Clare said: “When we were told what had happened we were all just so shocked. We couldn’t believe it - we still can’t. Richard was not an alcoholic and just liked going out on a weekend - like most young lads.



He was put to bed in a recovery position but never woke up. He died of acute alcohol poisoning. Mr Davies’ brother Michael, 35, and sister Clare, 32, both from Thornaby, speaking after the hearing yesterday, said more people needed to know about the dangers of binge drinking. “So many people do what he does and more young people need to be aware of the dangers, especially children who drink on the street. You just never think that it can kill, but what has happened to Richard is proof that it does.”

Dr Jan Lowe, a pathologist at the University Hospital of North Tees, told the inquest that the equivalent of 13 pints of beer was found in his blood when he died. He said he believed Mr Davies had died from acute alcohol poisoning. Deputy Teesside Coroner Anthony Eastwood said Mr Davies was “a young man in the prime of his life” who simply “enjoyed a social life with his friends”. He recorded a verdict of misadventure.