Eastleigh man Mark Downton died after three hospital trips in one day, inquest hears

Mark Downton died at Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, on July 21.

It followed a prolonged period of alcohol abuse which led to cardiac arrest and brain damage, an inquest heard.

The 53-year-old epileptic was found unconscious in the street at 7am on July 18, and was taken to hospital.

He was discharged that morning, but was readmitted after found lying on the floor at Winchester train station.

The inquest heard that Mr Downton, of Dutton Lane, had continued drinking, was six times over the drink drive limit and at comatose levels.

Dr Christopher Alphonso examined Mr Downtown in the accident and emergency department, and said other than alcohol intoxication he was “well”.

Dr Alphonso noted that Mr Downtown had half a bottle of vodka with him, and the inquest heard he consumed as much daily and did not take his epilepsy medication regularly.

Mr Downtown was discharged and later found unresponsive in a bus shelter outside the hospital.

He had suffered a cardiac arrest, which led to brain damage due to a lack of oxygen.

Dr Simon Deacock, consultant anaesthetist, said his condition worsened with continual seizures until he died three days later.

Senior coroner for Central Hampshire, Grahame Short, said both the long term and immediate effects of excessive drinking contributed to Mr Downtown's death.

He returned an alcohol related verdict.