AN Abbeydale mother-of-two, who had a history of alcohol-related problems was found dead in the River Arrow, an inquest heard on Monday.

Carol Ester Lawless, 44, died from drowning in the river off Old Forge Drive and was discovered by a woman walking her dog on Thursday, April 27.

Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said Ms Lawless, of Johnson Close, had liver disease caused by alcohol.

He said: "She was not going to live to an old age with the liver in the state it was, it was that bad."

Mr Round told the court a big police investigation was launched following the discovery of Ms Lawless' body.

And he said the police were called to three separate incidents at Ms Lawless' home on April 27.

Ms Lawless' former fianc, Philip Mark Kesterton, said, in a statement read out in court, the couple had a difficult relationship.

He said: "I can only describe her as an alcoholic, her drinking binges did get really bad."

Victor Round said: "I can't prove it was an accident but I do suspect it was, but you can never prove it.

"Maybe you do not think she knew what she was doing, but you can't prove that. The alcohol level in her body was not actually that high and I think the only correct thing to do would be to bring an open verdict."