A SOUTHAMPTON student who died in a crash hours after his 21st birthday party was over the drink-drive limit, an inquest heard.

Jake Rebbeck had been celebrating in Southampton with friends when his bank card was stolen.

The inquest heard the Southampton Solent University student “impulsively” decided to return home to Gloucestershire at around 1.30am when he found £120 was missing from his account.

But he lost control of his MG SR Rover and collided with a white Ford Transit Connect van on the A4175 near Kingscote, Gloucestershire.

After completing most of the trip Mr Rebbeck made a phone call to his mother, Margaret, from Calcot service station, at about 5am.

He initially told her he had no money for petrol, but found some change in his car shortly afterwards and continued his journey.

Mrs Rebbeck said that her son did not sound noticeable tired.

According to statements from his university friends, he had not told anyone he was leaving and had been drinking both beer and spirits on March 5.

Medical evidence confirmed Mr Rebbeck had died from multiple injuries, including injury to the head.

Gloucestershire Coroner Katy Skerrett said his death was the result of a “bad decision”.

Ms Skerrett concluded: “Alcohol was a contributing factor, and so was tiredness. We have heard a brief mention of speed but I don't place much emphasis on that.

“It was a bad decision, and there are many contributing factors. It was a tragic accident with a tragic conclusion.”

Mr Rebbeck, a business student, leaves behind his parents, Carl and Margaret, and three older siblings.

Mrs Rebbeck, in her statement read by the coroner, described her son as “loving” with a “lovely quick witted sense of humour.”

She added he was doing well in his studies at Solent.