Artist Hockney’s assistant died after drinking acid: inquest

LONDON, Aug 31: An assistant to British artist David Hockney died after drinking drain cleaner at the painter’s home following a drug and alcohol binge, a coroner ruled yesterday. Dominic Elliott, 23, was the subject of a number of portraits by Hockney, one of Britain’s most influential living artists famous for colorful landscapes and portraits.  (agencies)