Binge drinking warning over death

A coroner has warned about binge drinking after the death of a teenager on the eve of his 18th birthday.

Mark Shields was found dead in bed by his father Graeme in April, the morning after an impromptu celebration at his local pub in Northumberland.

The inquest in Hexham had previously heard he drank three pints of lager, five double whiskies and three double Aftershocks in less than 40 minutes.

Coroner Eric Armstrong recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Tests later revealed Mr Shields had 451mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, which was the equivalent of 19 single shots of spirits.

Maybe there is a young life out there that Mark can effectively save Coroner Eric Armstrong

Mr Armstrong said: "My only hope, and I hope the family will share this, is that Mark is not simply one more in a list of youngsters who die in this way.

"I would hope youngsters read or hear about this and think in future 'you don't do that'.

"Maybe there is a young life out there that Mark can effectively save and his death will not be in vain."

Outside the inquest at Tynedale Council Chamber in Hexham Mr Shields, 44, said he must try to rebuild life for his wife Gillian, 41, and three sons.

He said: "Young people and parents will take a look at this and they will learn from it.

"It might stop people binge drinking."

A statement was issued by the Falcon Inn, West Wylam, Prudhoe, where Mr Shields had been drinking, through Jamieson and Brown Solicitors.

It said staff did not know how much he had drunk and the pub had given police and the coroner their full assistance.