An inquest heard that Imogen Amesbury, a 21-year-old superyacht stewardess from Lyme Regis, died after an argument with her on-off boyfriend, Andrew Hewitt, in January 2022. The case highlights concerns about responding to expressed suicidal intent, particularly where alcohol, drugs and a history of mental-health difficulties are involved.

The hearing was told the pair had consumed two bottles of wine and that Ms Amesbury had taken cocaine before their dispute. After Mr Hewitt left at about 4.10am, she later told him by phone that she wanted to die; he did not alert her family or authorities, believing it to be an empty threat. Ms Amesbury had previously self-harmed and received treatment in 2021, though relatives said she had returned from yacht work in good spirits and was making plans; police took no further action against anyone.