It was likely the boyfriend of a 28-year-old mother-of-one struck the fatal blow that killed her, a detective told an inquest.

Bradford Coroner's Court heard that Cherie Bendig died from internal bleeding caused by a blow to her chest which ruptured her spleen.

Her body was found in the bedroom of the home she shared with her partner Paul Dewhirst in Smith House Avenue, Brighouse, in January.

Last month Dewhirst, 34, was jailed for five years by a Bradford Crown Court judge for previous violent attacks on Miss Bendig and two of his former partners.

Detective Sergeant Richard Smith, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team of West Yorkshire Police, told yesterday's hearing that he believed the blow to Miss Bendig's chest was likely to have been caused by an attack.

Coroner Roger Whittaker asked him if there was any evidence that she had fallen against a hard object to cause the injury. In reply Det Sgt Smith said: "The more likely is assault due to the background of the defendant."

He added: "He (Dewhirst) was shown to be a systematic abuser of women."

Mr Whittaker asked Det Sgt Smith if he thought the more likely scenario that caused Miss Bendig's injury was an assault. Det Sgt Smith replied: "Very likely, sir."

Consultant pathologist Professor Christopher Milroy, who carried out a post-mortem examination, said Miss Bendig had died from internal bleeding combined with a blood alcohol level six-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit.

He said he had not been able to determine what had caused the fatal injury and there was insufficient evidence to rule out the possibility that Miss Bendig had fallen against a solid object, causing the fatal injury.

Prof Milroy said the level of alcohol in Miss Bendig's body would likely poison anyone not used to consuming large amounts.

But he said her body showed signs that she regularly consumed large quantities, and she had not died as a result of the alcohol itself although it was a contributory factor.

He said: "I cannot say with certainty but it is my medical opinion that the alcohol has contributed and the likelihood is that she wouldn't have died without this level of alcohol intoxication."

Recording an open verdict, Mr Whittaker said Miss Bendig had endured a history of being physically abused.

"I'm not satisfied that this is an accidental death," he said.

e-mail: rebecca.wright @bradford.newsquest.co.uk