THE heartbroken family of a mother-of-three have been left with unanswered questions after an inquest failed to determine the circumstances of her death.

A murder investigation was launched in Middlesbrough last summer after 42-year-old Deborah Eve Wilkinson was found dead in her Hemlington home.

Police initially arrested a 73-year-old man after finding the former accountant with head injuries in a bedroom at the Farthingale Road house on Friday, August 19.

An inquest at Teesside Coroner’s Court on Monday heard how the alcoholic pensioner had scrubbed Ms Wilkinson’s blood from the floors and carpets, but insisted he did not play any role in her death.

Experts were unable to determine the cause of her head injuries, which may have resulted from either a fall or blow to the head.

The Northern Echo: Debbie Wilkinson

The inquest heard Ms Wilkinson's alcohol addiction meant she was susceptible to regular falls, even when sober.

A post-mortem found possible defence injuries and a mark on her face which may have been made by a fist.

However, no evidence was found to suggest the man arrested - who was a "drinking friend" and a regular visitor to her home - had attacked her.

The man, who regularly cleaned for Ms Wilkinson, told police he initially cleaned the scene, believing it was her period blood.

He said he then found her unresponsive on a bunk-bed in her child’s bedroom and alerted neighbours, who called emergency services after realising she was dead.

Ms Wilkinson’s family have since questioned why the man did not contact the emergency services himself after finding a significant amount of blood around the house.

Her brother, Martin Wood-Woolley, said: “With that amount of blood, anyone would have called an ambulance.”

The Crown Prosecution Service ruled there was insufficient evidence to justify a charge of manslaughter on the grounds of gross neglect and the man was released.

Coroner Clare Bailey ruled Ms Wilkinson’s death was caused by head injuries, coupled with bronchopneumonia and alcohol abuse.

Recording a “regretfully vague” narrative verdict, she said: “I cannot be sure on the balance of probabilities how it is that Debbie sustained the head injury.

“We have heard that it could have been from repeated falls and that there could have been defence injuries, with an injury to her face that could have been from a fist.

“I wish I could have provided more information and clarity but sadly, only Debbie knows what happened.”

A statement from Ms Wilkinson’s family said: “Many aspects of the investigation are still unanswered for us.

“Deborah’s death is still painfully sore, there are many things we will never know for certain about how it played out.

“Her three children are the important ones now for us, all of our love and support is now for them.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to all of Deborah’s friends for the love and support we have received throughout this very difficult time in our lives.”