A 68-year-old woman who died after collapsing in a public toilet block had drunk most of a bottle of vodka, an inquest heard.

Regina Paul, known as Marilyn, was found with life-threatening head injuries in Yelverton on January 25 and died the next day at Derriford Hospital, reports the BBC.

The inquest, held in Plymouth today, heard that Mrs Paul had “bouts of drinking and depression”.

The retired carer, of Ferndale Avenue, Plymouth, was seen buying a 35cl bottle of vodka from the local Co-op and was later found collapsed in the toilets which had a slippery floor, it was heard.

The bottle of vodka, which was mostly empty, was found next to her.

Flowers left at the scene at Yelverton toilets where Regina Paul ( known as Marilyn) was fatally injured

A 68-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and interviewed by detectives from the Major Crimes Investigation Team. He was released on police bail until February 22 and was said to be in the "care of health professionals". 

Foul play was later ruled out and police said at the inquest there was no evidence of assault.

Blood samples in hospital showed she was five times over the drink-drive limit.


The inquest heard that Mrs Paul had a history of strokes, asthma and post-traumatic stress syndrome, the BBC reports.

The effects of alcohol contributed to her collapse and death from head injuries, a pathologist told the inquest.

Coroner Ian Arrow recorded a verdict of accidental death.