AN INQUEST has heard that Penarth vagrant Gary Cooper died after taking a cocktail of drink and drugs.

Gary, who was well-known for redecorating the Lavernock Road bus shelter as a Santa's grotto and was affectionately known as the town's 'adopted drunk', died at the age of 52 in June this year.

The inquest heard he had a massive heart attack after drinking three litres of cider, a pint of white wine and two bottles of methadone at his home in Cardiff.

Cardiff Coroners Court heard how he was found unresponsive on a sofa by his girlfriend Maria Goodwin, 53.

She told the inquest: "I came into the room and he appeared to be dead.

"I tried to wake him by pulling on his ears and slapping him but he wouldn't respond."

An ambulance was called and Mr Cooper was taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where he was pronounced dead.

A pathologist told the inquest how Mr Cooper was three times the legal drink drive limit and had taken a fatal level of the heroin substitute methadone in his system.

Dr Richard Attanoos said: "There was a toxic level of methadone exacerbated by the presence of other central nervous system suppressants."

Police investigated Mr Cooper's death but could not work out how he got his hands on the prescription drugs.

Coroner Andrew Barkley recorded a verdict of drug related death following the hearing at Cardiff Coroners Court on Wednesday, September 10.

Mr Cooper was well-known throughout Penarth for sleeping in 'Tels' doorway (now known as Eclipse), more than 500 court appearances and being banned from the town on several occasions.

He endured a long battle with alcoholism and, through the help of local churches including Immanuel and Cosmeston, attempted to stay sober many times.

Before he became an alcoholic he was an apprentice jockey and served at table at The Dorchester Hotel in London as a silver service waiter.

Gary, who was born in Runcorn, Cheshire, subsequently moved to Penarth and was well-known throughout the town.

After setting up his Santa's grotto in the bus stop dozens of people contributed tinsel, fairy lights, a Christmas tree and even a radio.

The decorations were eventually torn down by council workers after complaints from members of the public.