A DAD-of-two who died in an horrific early hours crash was “excessively intoxicated and unable to walk properly”, an inquest heard.

Danny Mulford had been seen staggering on the carriageway of the A31 minutes before he was struck by a car.

The Bournemouth inquest heard the 33-year-old was hurled into the air and died of brain injuries due to skull fractures.

Dorset Coroner Sheriff Payne was told Mr Mulford had a blood alcohol level more than two-and-a-half times the legal limit for driving after attending his boss’s 50th birthday party at Ringwood Conservative Club.

The collision happened on the westbound carriageway, near the Ashley Heath roundabout, just before 2am on Saturday, July 13. Only one lane was open due to roadworks and drivers said Mr Mulford had been seen “staggering” and “swaying” in the open lane.

Peter Greening, a sales manager on his way to his Dorchester home after a business trip to Poland, said he saw Mr Mulford “split seconds” before his Skoda Octavia collided with him.

“I started to brake sharply, he hit the windscreen.

“I was showered with glass as the car came to a halt” he said. “I could see a body lying in the road – there was nothing I could have done.”

Mr Payne recorded a verdict that Mr Mulford “died as a result of misadventure on the road whilst intoxicate” and said: “Although he (Mr Greening) tried to swerve and brake harshly, he could not avoid him.”

He added: “I see no evidence of any intention by Daniel to produce this result. He was excessively intoxicated and unable to walk properly.”

After the tragedy, Danny’s father, Charlie, said his son was on his way to stay at his home in St Leonard’s when the accident took place.

He said Danny, who lived in Dibden in Hampshire, leaves a wife, Zara, and two children, Bradley and Caitlin.