A FORMER Welsh guardsman died after being involved in an altercation in a Barry alleyway, an inquest heard.

Cardiff Coroner's Court heard how Afghanistan veteran Thomas Sloman, 27, died while on a night out in Barry with friends.

Mr Sloman, who had a history of cardiac problems, was found to have traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system, which coroner Andrew Barkley said may have contributed to his death.

The court heard how CCTV shows Mr Sloman being approached by another man outside a takeaway.

Witnesses said they heard the man asking Mr Sloman to come and "have it out in the lane".

The two men then went into the alleyway off Broad Street where Mr Sloman was punched and the pair began to grapple.

The court was told that Mr Sloman then punched and overpowered the other man, and on his way out of the alley sat down on the pavement outside an estate agents where he collapsed minutes later.

Paramedics arrived to give him CPR after becoming unconscious but he was pronounced dead at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

The inquest in Cardiff heard the Army veteran, who had begun to work in construction shortly before his death, was found with traces of cocaine and alcohol in his body.

Forensic pathologist Dr Andrew Davies told Cardiff Coroners Court it was likely the fight had increased the dangerous side effects of cocaine, and led to his sudden death in July.

Dr Davies said: "The altercation before his death may have been relevant, as it caused higher blood pressure and an increased heartbeat, putting him at risk to the cardiac effects of cocaine."

The inquest heard Mr Sloman was in "peak physical condition at the time" - and was enjoying life spending more time with his young son after leaving the army as a trainer.

A statement from his family read: "He absolutely idolised his son and loved being a dad. He'd never go looking for a fight. He was a lovely and friendly person."

Coroner Andrew Barkley said: "Mr Sloman, who had been in the past investigated for cardiac problems, died suddenly having been in a physical confrontation and having taken alcohol and cocaine."

The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion.