A PUB-GOER died tragically when she mistook an unlocked cellar door for toilets and fell down the steep stairs.

An Inquest heard how 21-year-old Claire Birtwistle from Preston had been enjoying a night out with her half-brother Timothy which ended in disaster.

The pair went to the Stone Cottage on Shaw Street, Preston, an hour before closing time on February 7 after meeting friends and having drinks at another pub.

Timothy said his sister, who wore a calliper on her left leg because of a bone abnormality, went to the toilet at about 10.50pm.

Timothy, of Oxford Street, Preston, said: "It was her first time in the pub. I had to tell her where the toilets were.

"She didn't come back immediately and after about ten minutes I was worried."

Concerned Timothy asked a barmaid to go and look for his sister. She checked the toilets and on the way back decided to look into the cellar situated next to the ladies.

Timothy said: "When she opened the cellar door and saw Claire at the bottom she screamed and I ran to her.

"I went down to the bottom of the stairs and checked her for a pulse but I couldn't find one."

PC Kevin Evans, who arrived at the scene shortly after, told the Inquest: "I met a paramedic in the bar and he took me to the cellar door.

"There were very steep, wooden stairs. Certainly steeper than ones you might find in a typical house."

Meanwhile pub landlady Susan Shaw, who rang for an ambulance, told the Inquest on Friday (May 2) why the door was unlocked.

She said: "There was a burglary and the key was taken, so we bought a new lock but it was too big. It was ready for fitting." Dr Alec Howat of Royal Preston Hospital said Claire - who was pronounced dead by a doctor at the scene - died from head injuries consistent with a fall.

Coroner Howard McCann recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Details of an environmental health investigation carried out at the pub have been sent to Preston Council' s legal department.

Environmental Health Chief Kevin Garrity said: "Our legal people will determine whether there is any further action to be taken."

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