A "HAPPY-GO-LUCKY" drinker struck by a car on his way to a pub died accidentally, says a coroner's verdict.

Craig Marples, 34, was killed on June 10 last year as he tried to cross Leeds Road, Huddersfield. He was only 15 metres away from a pedestrian crossing.

The father-of-three was heading for Ricky's pub, near Canal Street, after leaving friends in the Airedale Heifer pub, Mirfield, where he had spent the evening drinking.

Blood samples taken after his death showed he had drunk the equivalent of nine pints or 17 measures of spirits.

Huddersfield Coroner's Court heard how Mr Marples, who lived on Northorpe Lane, Mirfield, was dropped off by taxi on Leeds Road at about 1.20am on the opposite side of the road from the pub.

The court heard how Mr Marples managed to cross one side of the road safely and was waiting in the middle before attempting the other side.

While he was waiting, he was in collision with a silver Citroen Saxo travelling from Huddersfield towards Cooper Bridge.

Driver Harman Singh told the court how he had seen Mr Marples in the centre of the road but had expected him to wait there until his car had passed.

He said when Mr Marples set off to go, there was nothing he could do to avoid him.

He sobbed as he relived the accident in court. He said: "I'm just really sorry it happened. I think about it every day. "

Mr Marples, who was single, suffered serious head injuries in the collision. He died in the intensive care unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Pc Philip Jackson, of the collision investigation unit, said damage to the car showed Mr Singh had been driving close to the 30mph speed limit when the accident happened.

He said: "There was a pedestrian crossing very near which was fully functional.

"Had that been used, it would have provided a safe means of crossing."

Mr Marples, a former warehouse manager, was described by his friend Geoffrey Thackray as a happy-go-lucky character who would do anything for his mates.

Coroner Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict of accidental death.