THE boyfriend of alleged murder victim Christine Moore has been found dead after sinking into a depression in the two weeks since her death.

Sean Michael Robinson, 46, was found with an empty tablet packet at his side and is believed to have taken his own life.

The opening of the inquest into his death was also told he was discovered at his step-father's home in Bath Street, Blackburn, last Saturday.

Today's Christine's family spoke of her love for Sean and the turbulent nature of their two year relationship.

Sean lived with Christine, 51, in Emma Street, Accrington, until the day before her death. The reasons for him moving out are not known.

Christine's sister Eileen Hornby, of Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, said the couple had only recently been reunited after Sean completed a prison sentence for driving without insurance.

"He stayed with Christine up to her death," said Eileen. "It's very, very sad. They had gone out with each other for two years on and off, but they had known each other for years.

"They had a stormy relationship with each other one minute and then they were all over each other the next. We thought she was in love with him."

She said that the family was now wondering whether he actually cared for her more deeply than even they believed because he had become so depressed about her death.

"He was alright -- an educated man and I am very sad to hear about his death," said Eileen. "Someone told me yesterday he had been found dead and I was shocked -- they went out together. "

Eileen said that Christine had been in many relationships in the past and had two children, but had never married.

Christine was a known alcoholic and had been drinking since she was 14 when she was a pupil of Holy Family School in Accrington. She had been to 'drying out' sessions three times, the most recent at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, in January.

Christine's body was discovered by a neighbour who looked through the back window of her home. Police said Christine had been involved in a violent row in the street 24 hours earlier.

David Osbaldeston, 29, unemployed, of Prospect Street, Great Harwood, has been charged with murder and will appear before Preston Crown Court in August 21 for a plea and directions hearing.

A spokesman for the police said that there were no suspicious circumstances regarding Sean Robinson's death. The inquest was adjourned until September 12.