THE family of a former Worcester councillor found dead with a chest of drawers on top of her, heard how her injuries were not related to her death.

Frances Carolyn Williams, of Lavender Road, Barbourne, who served two terms as a Labour councillor in 1981 and 1996, was found at her home on Wednesday, December 22, by her son Matthew, aged 31.

Mr Williams, who lived with his mother, went to check on the 61-year-old when he awoke, and found her dead.

Tests revealed Ms Williams, a former teacher at Worcester Technology College, had high levels of alcohol in her system, 345mg per 100ml of blood.

Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round said although she was used to alcohol, these levels were high enough to kill a female.

A post mortem, carried out by pathologist Dr Geoffrey Smith stated the cause of death was cardio-respiratory failure due to acute alcohol poisoning, with damage of the liver being a contributing factor.

Ms Williams had suffered from hepatitis when she was younger which had weakened her liver.

Mr Round pointed out that this was not a classic case of alcohol-related liver damage.

"I do not think she meant to do herself any harm," he said.

Mr Round recorded a verdict of misadventure at the inquest.