An inquest has heard that Stacey Hyde, a woman originally from Wells whose murder conviction was overturned after a high-profile legal battle, died following a long struggle with bulimia and mental illness.

Ms Hyde, 32, died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro in April last year. The hearing, held in Truro on Thursday (May 1), was told she had been diagnosed with PTSD while in prison and suffered from bulimia nervosa, hepatitis C, kidney failure and alcohol dependency.

In 2010, Hyde was convicted of murdering Vincent Francis, her friend's abusive partner, during a violent altercation at a flat in Wells when she was just 17.

Her conviction was quashed in 2014 after new medical evidence emerged, and a retrial the following year resulted in her acquittal on the grounds of self-defence.

Despite her release and the hope of starting afresh, Ms Hyde found it difficult to adjust to life outside prison.

She moved to Cornwall in search of stability, but her health deteriorated. Her aunt, Julie Hyde, told the inquest that Stacey "didn't want to die, but didn't know how to live."

Tributes have since been paid to Ms Hyde, including from campaign group Justice for Women, who supported her appeal and retrial. In a statement, the group said:

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Stacey Hyde aged only 32. Justice for Women supported Stacey in her appeal against a murder conviction and subsequent retrial for murder, where a jury, having heard all the evidence, acquitted her on grounds of self-defence.

"Following her release from prison, Stacey struggled to adapt to life outside and remained vulnerable to exploitation. However, she supported campaigns for justice and spoke publicly to try to raise awareness and bring hope to other women who had fought back in response to male violence.

"She is remembered fondly by all at Justice for Women for her vivaciousness and sense of humour. Our condolences go out to Stacey's family and friends."

The inquest concluded that Ms Hyde died from complications related to bulimia, compounded by her complex physical and psychological health issues.