A "CHARMING" Alresford pub manager died after falling down the stairs, an inquest heard.

Louise Victoria Martin, 45, had recently started working at The Horse and Groom in Broad Street and had moved into the flat above.

But on October 31 2019 she fell down the stairs linking the two properties and cut her chin.

She told paramedics she did not wish to go to hospital and was discovered deceased by a co-worker the following day.

Her mother Wendy Raw said in a statement: "I believe Louise suffered from depression – she'd had a number of temporary jobs before this. But when she started in September she was genuinely excited, and appeared very popular with the customers.

"She was a complex character: charming, intelligent and attractive, but anxious and sensitive at the same time. She would always put herself under great pressure."

Pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri conducted a post mortem on the body. In his report, the cause of death is stated as central nervous system depression, with alcohol toxicity contributing.

Ms Martin was said to have been popular with many local residents, having worked at Hampshire County Council, The Westgate School in Winchester and The Bell pub in Alresford.

Her mother Ms Raw added: "She was sincerely loved by all of the family, especially her sister. The church was packed with everyone who loved her.

"I remember her telling me that she really loved Alresford and working in a pub there – it's what she wanted to do."

Shane Robb, Ms Martin's partner, stayed the night with Louise after the fall.

"She remembered the ambulance turning up", he told Winchester Coroner's Court, "but not fall itself. She persisted that she did not want to go to hospital."

"Lou was good fun and I loved her to bits."

Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson concluded the inquest as an accidental death.