A WOMAN was stabbed to death by her secret lover after he discovered she was planning to move away, an inquest heard.

Natsnet Tekle Nasihi sustained fatal injuries after suffering a prolonged attack when she was stabbed to the head and neck 13 times by Dawit Kahsay in the kitchen of the shared-house where she lived in Middlesbrough.

The Eritrean national was found dead in her bedroom on May 3, 2013, when her housemate saw blood splattered all over the kitchen.

The inquest heard that Ms Nasihi, who was in her 20s, was believed to have been married and did not want her mother to find out about her illicit relationship.

The evidence in the hearing was read out for acting Teesside Coroner Clare Bailey as no witnesses attended the inquest at Teesside Magistrates Court.

The court heard how Ms Nasihi suffered severe blood loss after she was attacked in the house on Parliament Road before being carried upstairs to her room.

A police investigation showed that footprints in blood were made by trainers found in Mr Kahsay’s home on Maple Street, Middlesbrough, as well as traces found on a top that had been washed and was drying in the house.

Pathologist Mark Egan’s report showed how the victim had suffered 19 stab wounds to her head and body as well as signs that she had been asphyxiated.

The coroner said 19-year-old Mr Kahsay was found dead in his cell at HMP Holme House on May 10 and Cleveland Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with Ms Nasihi’s death.

Recording a verdict of unlawful killing, she said: “The couple were in an intimate relationship while living in Middlesbrough but for some unknown reason Natsnet wanted to keep the relationship a secret. There was evidence that she wanted to leave Middlesbrough.”