A 79-YEAR-old woman was discovered by her psychologist drowned in her bath, an inquest at Stourport-on-Severn heard.

Hilda Davies, who was well-known by her middle name Muriel, had received weekly visits by Timothy Lacey, a trainee counselling psychologist because she suffered from an obsessive compulsive disorder which made her concerned about washing and cleanliness, said Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round.

At Tuesday's inquest, the coroner said the psychologist came to her home in St Dunstan's Crescent, Battenhall, Worcester, on Monday, April 14 and went through the unlocked back door, which was always left open for him.

Mr Round said he found the retired bookkeeper in the bathroom facing upwards, under the water.

"The tap was not running and the water was lukewarm," said Mr Round.

"He took her out. He tried to revive her but life was extinct."

The coroner said there was no obvious signs of a disturbance in the house.

"There was a history that she had been experiencing some mobility problems, and there was some history of falling to sleep from time to time," said Mr Round.

Dr Paul Dunn, a consultant pathologist, said it was extremely unusual for a fully conscious individual to drown in shallow water.

"It is possible the deceased simply fell asleep and inhaled water," he said.

Mr Round said the cause of death was drowning and he did not suspect foul play.

He returned an open verdict.