NEW Year’s Eve celebrations turned to tragedy when a partygoer was found dead from a drink and drugs overdose in the early hours of January 1.

Now the man’s brother has spoken out to raise awareness and say: “I would not want this to happen to anyone else.”

Herefordshire coroner Mark Bricknell heard that Bogdan Panaite, 35, was found dead in bed at his home in Lawnside Road, Ledbury, after seeing the new year in with his brother, Ciprian and girlfriend, Kelly Dance.

Ms Dance told the inquest Bogdan had been drinking since around 9am on New Year’s Eve, consuming around 10 cans of cider before going out to buy more alcohol.

While out he met a friend, with whom he spent some time alone, before returned to his house later. There he, Ciprian and Ms Dance carried on drinking until the new year had been rung in and they went to bed.

But when Ms Dance woke at around 3.30am, Mr Panaite was non-responsive and blue in the face.

She began CPR and an ambulance was called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

A toxicology report revealed that at the time of his death, he had a blood alcohol level of 329mg/dL, around four times the driving limit.

Tests were also positive for codeine, methadone, sertraline and pregabalin.

He was also suffering from tuberculosis, and was under the care of Hereford County Hospital’s respiratory team.

Respiratory consultant Dr Ryan told the inquest that despite this, his high alcohol consumption and use of recreational drugs, he was generally well at his last review in December and was not believed to be suicidal.

Mr Bricknell said that he was satisfied that Mr Panaite did not intend to take his own life.

He concluded that Mr Panaite died from an overdose of alcohol and methadone and recorded a drink and drug related death.

Speaking after the inquest hearing, Mr Panaite’s brother Ciprian said he hoped that the death would serve as a lesson to others on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

“I want to raise awareness in the hope that it stops this happening to another family.

“We came here from Romania to work, but Bogdan met some bad people, and this is what happened.”

Ciprian added: “I hope that my brother’s death is a warning to others.

“I would not want what happened to my brother to happen to anyone else.”