A MAN found unresponsive on a park bench had drunk himself to death, an inquest hearing heard.

Roger Keith White was discovered slumped on a bench at Fenners Field Recreation Ground, Merley Lane, Wimborne, on December 21, last year.

On Monday at Dorset Coroner's Court, Bournemouth Town Hall, an inquest hearing was opened and adjourned into the death of the 67-year-old.

Mr White, of Delph Road, Wimborne, was a retired warehouse manager.

Coroner's officer Laura Thorne gave evidence at the hearing, which was presided over by coroner Brendan Allen.

Mrs Thorne said: "Police were called to an incident in Fenners Park where Mr White was located unresponsive on a park bench by dog walkers.

"Paramedics attended and confirmed him deceased."

Police reported no suspicious circumstances, the hearing was also told.

After a post mortem examination was carried out, which included taking toxicology samples, the cause of death was officially given as alcohol toxicity.

Mr Allen adjourned the inquest until October 12, 2020, for a review.

A full inquest is expected to take place sometime after that, after statements have been collated from Mr White's family, heath workers and police.