A motorist who was upset about his love life died after crashing into a van while three times over the drink-drive limit, an inquest heard.

Matthew Brown, 41, of Grove Road, Denton, Newhaven, crashed during the morning rush-hour on the A259 near Ovingdean, Brighton, on October 9.

Mr Brown, a father of two, died several hours later at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The inquest at Brighton Magistrates Court heard how Mr Brown, a carpenter, had been upset over a personal relationship.

That morning, his Subaru car was seen crashing into a garden wall in Telscombe before driving at speed along the coast road for another three miles before the fatal collision.

Drivers had to swerve to avoid him. One motorist was so concerned about Mr Brown's driving he had pulled over and alerted police on his mobile phone.

Mr Brown crashed into the delivery van after crossing to the wrong side of the road.

In the collision, his car left the road and spun in mid-air before landing on its side.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Brown had an alcohol level that was just under three times the legal drink-drive limit.

Brighton and Hove Coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley recorded a verdict of accidental death.