A WOMAN with a long history of alcohol abuse died after falling down a flight of stairs, an inquest heard yesterday.
Barbara Louise Houston, 50, was found dead at the bottom of the stairs in her house in Lightfoot Terrace, Ferryhill, on April 16. She was found by police.
Her mother, Lily Whithorn, told the inquest at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court that she had been a heavy drinker for more than 13 years.
Pathologist Dr Don Senadhira said Mrs Houston died of head injuries, although her blood alcohol level was in the fatal range.
Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna recorded a verdict of accidental death.
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