FATAL stab wounds victim Ruth Michelle Phillips had previously suffered violence from her partner, an inquest was told.

The mother of two little girls aged four and two died on Sunday, August 13 at the home in Moor View , Salterforth, that she shared with her partner Christopher Lee Waddington.

Jeanette Templar of Esk Lane, Barnoldswick, said her daughter, who was 29, was a normal healthy, fit and active person.

She said: "On Sunday, August 13, I was told an incident had taken place at her home and that she had died there.

"She met Lee Waddington six years ago. They had lived together on and off since that time."

Asked by East Lancashire Coroner David Smith if her daughter had been subjected to violence from Mr Waddington from time to time Mrs Templar replied: "She has, yes." She added that she had identified her body to a CID officer at Burnley General Hospital.

Home Office forensic pathologist Dr John Rutherford said he had carried out a post mortem examination on the day she died.

Cause of death was stab wounds to the chest. He found four stab wounds to the chest and other marks to the body.

The coroner read a statement by Det Insp Graham Herrmann who said he had been appointed deputy senior investigating officer in relation to the death of Ruth Phillips and had attended the scene.

He was aware that Christopher Lee Waddington had been charged with murder and with making threats to kill another person.

He had appeared in court on August 15 and remanded in custody.

Mr Smith said a second post mortem examination was being carried out yesterday afternoon on behalf of Mr Waddington's lawyers.

Adjourning the inquest sine die he said it was unlikely the hearing would be reopened in view of the pending hearing at crown court.

Expressing sympathy to the family Mr Smith commented: "Words are inadequate but at least you know how people feel."