Drummer Stuart Cable 'choked to death'

Stuart Cable died accidentally after choking on his own vomit, an inquest has heard.

An inquiry in Cable's hometown of Aberdare recorded a verdict of accidental death, four months after the 40-year-old was found dead at home by his girlfriend Rachel Jones.

Prior to his death, the former Stereophonics drummer had drank heavily for three days, the inquest was told.

Cable had started drinking at a local rugby club on June 4 with his ex-wife and son. The following evening, he hosted his BBC radio show in Cardiff before returning to the Welsh Harp pub near his house in Llwydcoed.

The inquest heard that Cable returned home and continued drinking with a friend until 5am. Later on June 6, he returned to the same pub and continued to drink. At around 11pm, Cable phoned Jones to say that he was returning home.

Detective Sergeant Richey Jones said: "Stuart was extremely drunk but got a bottle of vodka out of the fridge and continued drinking it neat. He also drank Jack Daniels. He fell asleep on the sofa and Rachel later went to wake him by tapping his head and lifting his eyes."

Rachel then found Cable collapsed on the floor at around 5.30am on Monday morning. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Cable was pronounced dead.

Cable left the Stereophonics in 2003, and continued on to a career in TV and radio.