A “well known and liked” dad who had been on a three day drink and drug bender accidentally hanged himself on a handbag strap, an inquest heard.
Mike McLeod, 34, had become excessively sleep deprived after he and friends downed 10 litres of spirits as well as cocaine and controlled drugs.
The father of one then accidentally hanged himself from a friend’s handbag strap after passing out at the bottom of his stairs, reports MailOnline.
The inquest at Cornwall Coroner’s Court heard that he was a “very well known and well liked” man who had issues with binge drinking.
Cornwall assistant coroner Guy Davies said: “He had been binge drinking and taking controlled and illicit drugs for three days and was excessively sleep deprived during that entire three day period.
“My conclusion is likely what happened is that Mike was sat at the foot of the stairs resting his head on the bannister and then passed out.
“Somehow his head and neck have become entangled in the handbag strap and he strangled himself while unconscious through the drink and drugs and excessive sleep deprivation.”
Assistant coroner Davis added that it was a “tragic accident” rather than a “deliberate act on his part” and that he “accidentally strangled himself with the handbag strap.”
He said Mike died at the foot of his stairs in Newquay, Cornwall, from his own actions and ruled out suicide. He added that Mike had plans for the future with his partner with whom he was in a loving relationship.
His friend Matthew Brown-Jackson was with him during the binge and addressed the court saying they had downed 10 litres of spirits as well as taking cocaine and controlled drugs.
He also said his friend had only briefly napped on the sofa throughout the three-day session.
Evidence was also given by Detective Constable Lewis Harrison who said family and friends said the dad had been in a “jovial and happy” mood and believed it was a tragic accident.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and a post mortem confirmed Mike died from hanging.
It also found that he was 2.5 times the legal drink drive limit and had taken a variety of drugs.
