AN INQUEST has been held into the death of a 'clearly loved and cared for' Hexham woman.

Jenny Lavin, 48, died at her home on St Wilfrid's Road in Hexham on February 17 last year.

An inquest held at County Hall in Morpeth on Thursday (March 9) heard she fell in the bath while under the influence of alcohol.

Jenny had a long-standing history of alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety, the inquest heard. She had in the past taken overdoses on a number of occasions.

She was working with Northumberland Recovery Partnership for support together with a primary care mental health nurse.

Jenny was trying to overcome her alcohol addiction in order to resume her relationship with her son - who was living with his grandmother - and said just before her death that she wanted to get better, the inquest heard.

On February 17, 2022 at around 1pm, police visited Jenny's home due to concerns for her welfare. After they were unable to get a response, they entered via the property's back door, which was open.

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They found Jenny to be intoxicated but not to the point where she was incapable of looking after herself, the inquest heard.

She asked the officers to leave, which they did as they had no power to be there when they didn't have concerns for her wellbeing at that time, the inquest was told. The officers contacted the street triage team.

Jenny's mother went to see her that day and also found her intoxicated. Later on, her mother tried several times to get in touch with her but was unable to.

When two friends went to check on Jenny on behalf of her mother, they sadly found her in the bath with her head above the water, the inquest heard.

She was confirmed dead by paramedics at 10.20pm.

The pathologist who conducted the post-mortem examination concluded Jenny's cause of death was cervical spine and head injury following a fall.

The high level of alcohol found in her system is associated with confusion, dizziness and visual disturbances as well as other adverse effects, the inquest heard.

Assistant coroner Kirsten Mercer recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

She said there was no evidence that Jenny's injuries were self-inflicted.

Miss Mercer expressed her condolences to Jenny's family, adding: "Jenny was clearly loved and well cared for by her family.

"She was engaging with services to try and overcome her addiction so she could have a better relationship with her son in the future."

For help with alcohol issues call Alcoholics Anonymous for free on 0800 9177 650, or email help@aamail.org, or go to alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/