A SOUTHAMPTON woman who died after taking a cocktail of drink and drugs was nearly five times the drink-drive limit, an inquest has heard.

Joanne Gray died at a neighbour’s flat after a day of drinking wine and cider, as well as taking prescription and non-prescription medication.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard the 35-year-old, of Silverdale Road, Banister Park, had continued drinking at friend Wayne Hinton’s flat and fell asleep.

However, when he and fellow friend Kathleen Denton tried to wake Ms Gray, they were unable to. Paramedics were called but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The inquest heard Ms Gray had a history of depression and drinking. Pathologist Dr Vipul Foria said toxicology test found she was around 4.7 times the drink-drive limit when she died, and had medication in her body.

Ms Gray’s sister Lindsay said she was “a fun sister” and described her as “reliable”, but added that in recent years she had become more dependant on alcohol after getting into a new relationship.

Recording a conclusion of alcohol and drugs-related death, senior coroner Grahame Short said Ms Gray had not been receiving advice from alcohol support services.