Teenager's fatal vodka binge

Teenager's fatal vodka binge

Gareth Griffin drank a large amount of vodka and cider

A teenager drank himself to death after downing a whole bottle of vodka and three litres of cider.

Gareth Griffin, 17, drank the equivalent of seven pints of cider, before consuming a bottle of 40% proof vodka at a party.

Friends found the teenager dead at the party and tests later showed he was five times over the legal driving limit.

School friend Stefan Carter told an inquest in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales: "He drank three litres of cider at the party - then a whole bottle of vodka.

Youngsters seem to think they can consume far more alcohol than they are capable of holding

Coroner Phillip Walters

"I have never seen him drink so much as on this particular day."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, South Wales Valleys Coroner Phillip Walters said: "Youngsters seem to think they can consume far more alcohol than they are capable of holding."

Earlier, the inquest heard that the teenager had moved out of his parents' home and gone to live with a work colleague in Aberdare because of a rift over his binge drinking.

After the hearing, Mr Griffin's parents Paul and Lynne said they hoped their son's death would act as a warning for other underage drinkers.

Paul Griffin said: "Drink is too readily available to youngsters."