A WOMAN who overcame breast cancer died as a result of chronic alcohol abuse, an inquest heard.

A verdict of misadventure was recorded in the death of Ruth Barron, who was found dead at her home in Ash Hill, Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, on July 26.

The Middlesbrough inquest, held yesterday, heard the 45-year-old was found by her partner's friend, Peter McGee.

Ms Barron had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, but had responded to treatment and was given the all-clear last year.

The inquest heard Ms Barron had suffered from depression and alcoholism and had been receiving treatment.

Pathologist Dr Jennifer Hamilton told the inquest the cause of death had been chronic alcohol abuse.