PORTSMOUTH goalkeeper Aaron Flahavan was nearly three times the drink-drive limit when he died in a car crash, a Bournemouth inquest heard yesterday.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Sheriff Payne, coroner for Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset, said that evidence showed Mr Flahavan was driving in excess of 100mph when the crash happened and he was not wearing a seat belt.

Mr Flahavan, 25, died after his blue BMW Coupe car went out of control and plunged 25ft into a field off Bournemouth spur road in the early hours of August 5.

He was travelling towards Bournemouth along the A338 between the Blackwater and Cooper Dean exits - his destination Bournemouth nightclub Elements.

Home office pathologist Dr Allan Anscombe found an alcohol level of 227mgs in his blood - the legal limit is 80mgs.

He said the high level was "likely to impair a person's ability to drive".

Mr Flahavan had sustained a severe skull fracture from the impact of the crash.

The goalkeeper, from Southampton, was confirmed dead at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Mr Flahavan had been receiving treatment on his heart at a London Hospital after suffering blackouts during matches.

Dr Anscombe said the treatment had appeared to cure the problem and had no connection with the incident.

Sgt David Jones attended the incident and said that Mr Flahavan could not be found inside the car.

His body was found nearly three hours later 20 to 25 feet away from the car in a ditch.

Dr Anscombe suggested Mr Flahavan died rapidly after the accident and the delay would have had no bearing.

Sgt James Allmond, accident investigator, said Mr Flahavan's car was going round a right-hand bend when it hit the nearside kerb.

Mr Flahavan was unable to control the car, the hearing was told.

Portsmouth Football Club manager Graham Rix said: "He was a super professional. He never caused me any trouble.

"He had a great future ahead of him."