A builder died from an "unsurvivable" head injury after he was knocked to the ground with a single punch when he became involved in a confrontation outside a pub, an inquest has heard.

Peter Bradfield had gone to The Cricketers in Tadley, with his partner Melanie Griffiths on the afternoon of December 22 2018, but after drinking about six pints of lager during a five-hour period he became involved in an argument in the car park.

Coroner Jason Pegg told the hearing, held remotely in Winchester, that three men, including Ms Griffiths' nephew, had been "squaring up" to each other when the 53-year-old became involved at about 8.30pm.

He said Mr Bradfield, of Long Grove, Baughurst, normally described as a "chilled" person, confronted another drinker, Philip Small, and attempted to hit him.

Mr Pegg continued: "Mr Small struck back at Peter Bradfield. It was a single blow and when Mr Small struck out at Mr Bradfield he believed he would be punched by Mr Bradfield.

"That single strike was a punch to the face and not just a mere push, but that punch was not hugely powerful."

He said Mr Bradfield, was about three times the drink-drive limit at the time and added: "The consequence of the alcohol in Mr Bradfield's body contributed to him falling to the ground.

"When Mr Bradfield fell to the ground, he struck his head on the left side and that caused an unsurvivable injury to his head and brain."

Mr Bradfield was taken to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital where he remained unconscious until he died on Christmas Eve, the inquest heard.

Mr Small was arrested following the incident but was later released without charge.

Mr Pegg said Mr Small told police that Mr Bradfield "just wanted to fight" him and he repeatedly said: "Stop, I do not want to fight."

Mr Small also said: "I pushed him back as he was going to hit me otherwise, I pushed him and he went over, it was quite a hard fall."

Witness James Lovell said: "I heard the punch very clearly as well as seeing the punch. Peter Bradfield was out cold even before he hit the floor. It was a sickening thud."

In a statement, Ms Griffiths said Mr Bradfield had drunk about six pints of lager but was "not drunk, just merry".

Mr Pegg added: "Melanie Griffiths says that Peter was not a violent man when he had a drink."

The coroner recorded a brain injury as the cause of death and gave a verdict of death by misadventure.

He also said Mr Bradfield had been the "aggressor".

He added: "I give my sincerest condolences to Melanie Griffiths and the wider family."

Ms Griffiths said in a statement: "We have lost a much-loved son, father, exceptional stepdad and partner. Needlessly taken too soon. Our hearts are broken."