Inquest into the death of Heidi COX

58y · Female·consequences of acute subdural haemorrhage

Heidi Cox, 58, died from acute subdural haemorrhage after suffering interpersonal violence, likely at the hands of her long-term partner Karl Bingle. She was found unconscious at their residence and died in hospital. Evidence of previous domestic violence was documented including her 2014 assault conviction against Bingle and extensive family observations of physical and verbal abuse. Medical examination revealed bruising consistent with blunt trauma to the neck and head, though the exact mechanism could not be precisely determined. The case highlights the importance of recognising domestic violence risk factors, documenting injuries comprehensively, and considering coercive control patterns in vulnerable patients with mental health conditions and substance abuse issues. Early recognition of escalating violence patterns and intervention could potentially have prevented this fatal outcome.