The inquest was held for a second time after the coroner in the first hearing was found to lack the proper qualifications.

12:30, UK, Tuesday 08 January 2013

Amy Winehouse

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse accidentally drank herself to death at her north London home, a coroner has confirmed.

Dr Shirley Radcliffe recorded a verdict of death by misadventure at St Pancras Coroners Court.

The inquest, which originally concluded in October 2011, had to be re-opened after it emerged the first coroner had not been properly qualified.

But in a hearing that lasted just 40 minutes, Dr Radcliffe verdict matched that of the original inquest.

British singer Amy Winehouse

She said Winehouse had "at no time been considered depressed or suicidal" and on the day of her death had been described as "her usual bubbly self".

The court heard there had been no suspicious circumstances and no evidence of illicit drugs in the 27-year-old's system - but the level of alcohol in her blood had been over five times the drink-drive limit.

Two empty vodka bottles were found on the floor of her bedroom.


None of Winehouse's family were present, having made it clear they were happy with the first inquest which they said had brought them "some relief to have finally found out what had happened to Amy".

But that verdict, delivered by deputy assistant coroner Suzanne Greenaway, could not stand after it was found she had been wrongfully appointed by the area's senior coroner, who was also her husband.

Dr Andrew Reid has now resigned from his post after disciplinary proceedings were launched against him.

His wife, who did not have the necessary experience, has also stepped down.

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