A 64-year-old housewife from Exmouth died as a result of alcohol abuse, an inquest heard. Mary Carr Dibley, of Salterton Road, died in Wonford Hospital on February 7 this year. An inquest into her death held last Monday, December 1, heard Mrs Dibley colla

A 64-year-old housewife from Exmouth died as a result of alcohol abuse, an inquest heard.

Mary Carr Dibley, of Salterton Road, died in Wonford Hospital on February 7 this year.

An inquest into her death held last Monday, December 1, heard Mrs Dibley collapsed in the lounge at her home on January 23. Her husband, James Dibley, was in bed at the time.

Coroner Elizabeth Earland said her husband got out of bed having heard her fall. He rushed downstairs and found her on the floor. An ambulance was called and she was transferred to hospital.

Mrs Dibley had also collapsed in her bathroom the previous day. She remained in hospital but died a month later.

The court heard Mrs Dibley had suffered from alcoholic cirrhosis, a condition which develops for between 10 and 20 per cent of individuals who drink heavily for a decade or more, and liver problems.

She sustained a hip injury and a fractured femur from her falls.

An inquest was opened into her death earlier this year but adjourned for further inquiries.

Dr Earland, in recording her verdict, said Mrs Dibley was a reformed alcoholic. She added: "I am satisfied the hip injury did not kill her. My verdict is alcohol abuse.