Drunken man dies after downing 23 measures of alcohol

Thursday 20 October 2016

Gardener Jose Bras, 49, died after he fell over a wall into a flower bed having been on a marathon drinking session which left him over four times the drink drive limit.

An inquest yesterday heard Mr Bras was found by a passer-by in the early hours of May 1st, after he had downed the equivalent of 23 measures of alcohol.

The passer-by, finance manager David Brennan, told the court he walked past Hampshire Gardens at 00:50 and noticed a pair of legs poking out from the top of a small wall. 

He went over to investigate and saw Mr Bras wedged against the flower bed and a nearby wall. He rang the emergency services and checked for a pulse but could find none. 

Paramedics tried to revive Mr Bras, but they confirmed he had died at 01:21. 

A pathology report said Mr Bras had died of alcohol intoxication and postural asphyxia and that his death was not suspicious. In effect, Mr Bras’ head was wedged so close to the wall, his breathing airways were blocked, so he couldn't breathe properly. 

The Coroner, Advocate Mark Harris, confirmed the death was not suspicious.