A 46-year-old mother who “always put everyone first” died after struggling with addiction, a court has heard. 

Nicola Sharpe, of High Street, Gorleston, was declared dead by paramedics on June 15 last year. 

Norfolk Corner’s Court, based at County Hall, heard how she had taken recreational drugs and consumed alcohol the night before. 

She had been found “unresponsive” by her partner who called the emergency services. 

At the inquest into her death, which took place earlier this month at the Norwich-based court, her family paid tribute to her. 

In a statement provided to the court, they wrote: “Mum had always been quite a party animal. 

“She enjoyed having little parties and she enjoyed having a drink. 

“She struggled [with addiction] for so many years. 

“We did try and help her get away from this addiction but unfortunately, we couldn’t. 

“She fought a battle of addiction for so many years and struggled more after her mother’s passing. 

“She did try and stop the addiction but unfortunately, she couldn't. 

“But she was loved, and always put everyone first before herself. She loved everyone so much. 

“She was a lovely mother who struggled with addiction.” 

READ MORE: Heartbreaking tribute paid to postman who who 'lost life to drugs'

The evidence revealed that Ms Sharpe had suffered from falls previously, which resulted in seizers and head injuries including a subarachnoid haemorrhage and a subdural hematoma. 

She had another fall a few days before she died but did not seek medical assistance. 

Area coroner Samantha Goward said: “It’s very clear from the evidence that there were times when she was trying to give up and get help and obviously found that difficult. 

“That's the difficulties with addition. You very often see people go back and forth trying to fight them, and it’s obviously not easy to do that.” 

The medical cause of death was given as fatty liver and amphetamine toxicity. 

Ms Goward recorded a conclusion of an “alcohol and drug-related death”. 

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