Kyle Doherty: Footballer took drugs before roof fall death Published duration 15 July 2015

image copyright @StenhousemuirFC image caption The coroner said alcohol and drugs "played a part" in 19-year-old Kyle Doherty's death

A young Scottish footballer "fell to his death" from a nightclub roof after taking Class A drugs and drinking alcohol, an inquest has heard.

Kyle Doherty, 19, who played for Stenhousemuir FC's youth team, had been celebrating new year in Suede club in Manchester.

Manchester Coroner's Court heard he had taken ecstasy and cocaine, climbed onto the roof and "sadly fell".

The coroner recorded a verdict of "misadventure".

A post-mortem examination concluded he died from multiple injuries, with fractures to his neck, skull and ribs.

It also showed ecstasy and cocaine in Mr Doherty's body, suggesting "recreational use" in the hours before his death, and an alcohol level slightly below the drink-driving limit.

'Claw marks'

Coroner Graham Jackson said: "Even though alcohol and drugs probably did not directly cause his death, nonetheless, I think they would have played a part in the actions of Mr Doherty, causing him to climb on the roof from where, in my opinion, he sadly fell."

The 19-year-old, who played for the Scottish League One side, had travelled from his home in Scotland to celebrate new year in Manchester with two friends.

He and 16 others in the VIP booth had been given £1,000 worth of alcohol to "serve themselves".

The inquest heard the teenager had probably gained access to the roof via a fire exit and outside staircase.

Mr Doherty had called a friend from the roof at about 01:02 GMT.

Another friend, Lee Brown, had seen him on the sloping roof, "drunk but not stumbling", and told him to get down.

Kiara Newman told police that she was outside the club at about 01:30 and heard a "strange, loud noise".

"A bang and then rustle and a male voice with a strange moan," she told police.

Piping from guttering was found near Mr Doherty's body and "claw marks" were seen on the roof directly above the body.