A DRUNK father caused his death and that of two other young men in a car crash because of his dangerous driving, a coroner has ruled.

During an inquest at the Seax House Coroner Court in Chelmsford it was revealed that David Bradley, who was 30 at the time of the crash, had 256 milligrammes of alcohol in the blood.

There was also evidence of cannabis and cocaine, as well as amphetamine and diazepam in his system.

The man from Beckers Green Road in Braintree was declared dead at the scene with injuries to his thorax after his Ford Fiesta veered across the carriageway on the A1017.

The horrific crash with a Volkswagen Polo happened in December 2014 in Braintree Road, Gosfield.

It claimed two lives and left another man fighting for his life, who died days after.

The inquest confirmed James Simmons, an 18-year-old musician from Hillside Gardens in Braintree and passenger in the Polo, died as a result of Mr Bradley’s dangerous driving.

The conclusion was the same for Coz Powell, 21, from Gosfield, who was driving the Polo.

Senior Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: "Mr Simmons was clearly a much loved young man with musical gifts and a bright future ahead of him.

"Mr Bradley clearly was a loving father and a reliable worker, and again had a bright future.

"Mr Powell was a much respected young man and a much loved friend."