Grandfather, 63, is ecstasy drug's 'oldest' death victim

A grandfather who died after taking four ecstasy tablets is believed to have become the dance drug's oldest victim in Britain.

Eric Whittle, 63, suffered a heart attack in May after taking the drug at his home in Warrington.

He was found convulsing on the floor and taken to hospital but he died two days later.

Tests showed he had also taken cocaine, cannabis and alcohol but the primary cause of death was given as "ecstasy intoxication".

A coroner's inquest in Warrington heard evidence from the dead man's grandson, Stephen Whittle.

He said that Mr Whittle, who was separated from his wife, used to smoke cannabis and boast about how many ecstasy tablets he had taken.

Cheshire Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg recorded a verdict of death from non-dependent abuse of drugs.