Venue Told To Enforce Drugs Policy After Clubber Dies

One of Belfast's biggest nightclubs has been urged to enforce its no-drugs policy more strictly, after a clubber died from taking an overdose.

Bernard McDonagh, 32, died earlier this year after bingeing on cocaine and ecstasy during an all-night session which included a visit to Mynt in central Belfast and a house party in south Belfast.

It is unknown whether Mr McDonagh took drugs inside the club.

Senior coroner John Leckey told an inquest in Belfast: "There must be considerable responsibility placed on the proprietors of the club to do their best to enforce a no-drugs policy."

Mr McDonagh, a taxi driver, was from Hunters Mill in Downpatrick.

He died at his friend Gerard Stitt's house in Donnybrook Street, Belfast on January 8 2012.

He gave Mr Stitt four tablets inside Mynt, which the friend took after leaving the premises.

Mr Stitt said he could tell from his friend's demeanour that he had been taking drugs.

Several other friends were present at the overnight party and Mr McDonagh collapsed at 8am in the kitchen.

Paramedics were unable to restart his heart.

Police told the inquest that repeated reports of substance misuse involving people at Mynt date back over a year.

(NE)