An intelligent, sports-mad Cornishman "with the world at his feet" was killed when he crashed his car while drink-driving, and without wearing a seatbelt.

Ross Paddock, a communications technician with GCHQ Morwenstow and a popular football player with Probus, was three times over the legal driving limit when he crashed his Alfa Romeo into a hedge and then a stone and soil bank on the B3275 at Newmills, near Ladock, Truro, an inquest heard.

Earlier that evening, Mr Paddock had been at a wedding reception at Mawgan Porth, where he had been drinking. He caught a bus back to his home in Probus as planned, but then made what his family described as the "fatal decision" to drive to a friend's house at Indian Queens.

The inquest into Mr Paddock's death, held in Truro, heard how no other vehicle was thought to be involved in the accident on October 11.

The court heard how taxi driver Andrew Bull first came across the wreckage shortly after 1.30am.

He said: "I saw the car sticking out at a funny angle. I thought it was a strange place to park. When I got closer I noticed debris, so I stopped my taxi and got out. The driver wasn't wearing a seatbelt, and he looked trapped in the car.

"He was breathing slightly so I called the emergency services. Then he made a gulp noise. I think it was his last breath."

One eyewitness, who peered out of his window after hearing a "dull thud", said an articulated lorry passed the scene 30 seconds after the crash, but did not stop. Police, however, ruled out the lorry driver's lights dazzling Mr Paddock.

Examination of the scene later suggested Mr Paddock had been driving at about 50mph at the time - above the 40mph speed limit, but "not unreasonable" for the area, one police witness said.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Cornwall coroner Dr Emma Carlyon, said Mr Paddock's death was caused by severe multiple injuries consistent with a serious road accident.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Paddock's parents Tony and Karen described their son as "a gentleman".

They added: "He never, ever drank and drove. We cannot believe it. He was so specific about getting taxis or arranging lifts everywhere.

"He was a perfect son and was so mature for his age. We all miss him so much."

The 23-year-old also leaves a younger brother, Liam.