Mum died from fall down stairs after 'wine bottle' argument with boyfriend

A mum-of-three tragically died after falling down the stairs following an argument with her boyfriend, an inquest has heard in Lancashire today.

On June 25, 2020, Dawn Walker fell down the stairs at her home on Newchurch Road in Bacup, in the early hours. Two weeks later (July 11), she sadly passed away at the Royal Preston Hospital as a result of those injuries.

The inquest in Accrington, presided over by Assistant Coroner Laura Nash heard evidence that Dawn's best friend, Katie, told police that Dawn's partner Damien Taylor had "pushed her down the stairs" as the couple argued over a bottle of Lambrini. However, in her conclusion, the coroner said it was "more likely than not" that Dawn had lost her balance, Lancs Live reports.

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Although Katie had not seen the push, she said she was adamant that the speed and manner in which Dawn "flew" down the stairs could only have been caused by Damien pushing her. David Talbot, who was also present at Dawn's house on the night of the incident, had been friends with both her and Damien since the three were children.

He told the coroner he witnessed an argument between the couple, who had been on an "on-off" relationship for several years, with Dawn stabbing Damien with a fork. He also said he could not be sure if she was pushed or she fell.

Damien, aged 37 at the time, was arrested but he denied causing Dawn's injuries or her death. In May this year a post appeared on Damien’s Facebook page in which he said his actions had been “self-defence” but, when arrested a second time, he refused to comment. At the inquest today Damien said he “didn’t write that” but under intense questioning