A YOUNG mum who died after she was pinned against the window of a takeaway in Haslingden was the fifth member of her family to lose their life following "stressful" situations, an inquest heard.

An open verdict was recorded into the death of mother-of-two Sharon Hampson, 27, of Warwick Street, Haslingden, who collapsed outside the Capanna takeaway - but it could not be shown the incident caused her death.

Home Office forensic pathologist Dr John Rutherford said that although Mrs Hampson had marks of trauma on her body, they were superficial. There was not sufficient trauma to account for her death externally or internally, nor any natural disease.

The doctor read a police-compiled chart showing the deaths of four of Mrs Hampson's relatives.

One died aged 22 during a cricket match dispute.

Another died aged 42 after telling children off in the street.

A 13-year-old died in a row at school.

A 22-year-old died after an incident with a motorist.

The hearing heard that Mrs Hampson seemed to have died in very similar circumstances. Dr Rutherford said the cause of death was abnormality of the heart rhythm. He said it appeared that excitement of the takeaway incident precipitated it, but did not cause the underlying problem. The doctor recommended her husband, Jeffrey Hampson, should take his children to see a doctor or cardiologist to see if they had any treatable heart rhythm abnormalities.

Mr Hampson fought back tears as he told of the New Year night out that ended in tragedy and how his wife had not been involved in any trouble.

The hearing was told how a pathologist could not find out why the young mum died, but further tests were carried out when Mrs Hampson's family history was outlined.

Mr Hampson said his wife died at Bury General Hospital on January 3. The night before they had been out to several pubs with friends and decided to go to the Capanna, Blackburn Road, Haslingden. Somebody shouted to a woman, who thought it was Mr Hampson and there was an exchange of words. A second woman started abusing him, but Mr Hampson made it clear he wanted nothing to do with it.

He then realised his wife was not sitting next to him and went outside. There, the second woman had her pinned against the window.

Mr Hampson added: "I just remember pulling this woman off her and that was it. My wife fell to the ground."

Detective Michael Collins said police went to great lengths to take statements from anybody involved with the takeaway incident.

A woman was charged in connection with Mrs Hampson's death.

But the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case after it could not be shown the incident caused her death.

Recording an open verdict, East Lancashire Coroner David Smith said Mrs Hampson had not been involved in any way in problems at the takeaway.

Jennifer Pamela Harper, 26, then of Lincoln Street, Haslingden, was charged with unlawfully killing Mrs Hampson, but the case against her was discontinued.

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