MARCUS Fulton paid the 'ultimate price' for drink driving. County coroner David Halpern said an inquest could only be thankful that no one else was involved in the accident that claimed Mr Fulton's life.

Mr Fulton, aged 32, from Stretton Sugwas, was three times the legal drink-drive limit, not wearing a seat belt, and travelling at over 60mph in a 40mph zone when his car 'flipped' from the A480 at Credenhill earlier this year to collide with a wall.

The inquest heard how Mr Fulton's car had shot past a taxi seconds before, overtaking off a left-hand bend onto a right curve.

Accident investigator PC David Sidley said evidence at the scene suggested Mr Fulton's car clipped a verge and somersaulted out of control.

Mr Fulton, the inquest heard, had spent the evening drinking pints at a nearby hotel.

Ruled Mr Fulton's death an accident, county coroner Mr Halpern said the deceased was driving 'fast and drunk' and paid the 'ultimate price'.