A PENSIONER who fell 12ft from a window at a residential home told people who went to her aid: "I won't fight it any more."

Confused Florence Coles continually tried to leave her residential home and return to her former home, an inquest was told.

The 92-year-old lived at White House residential home in Brotton, east Cleveland, with her husband, Richard. The couple were referred to the home by social services officials.

Assistant Deputy Coroner Tony Eastwood heard that she continually opened doors and triggered alarms as she tried to return to her house in nearby Carlin How.

Care assistant Margaret Slasser told the inquest jury that on one occasion, Mrs Coles tried to climb out of her bedroom window, a living room window and a window by a back door, all within minutes.

She would even drag her husband out of bed and demand to return to Carlin How.

Mrs Coles, who suffered from arthritis, anaemia, confusion and diabetes, became more restless and agitated.

She was found by care assistant Joanne Butterfield lying on a stone path at the rear of the residential home, below an open first-floor bathroom window.

The inquest heard she kept saying, "I won't fight it any more'', a phrase she repeated to paramedic Keith Heard. She also told him she did not want to be any bother.

The bathroom did not have a window restrictor fitted, the inquest heard.

Mrs Coles was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, where she died.

The inquest continues.