Charges considered over drowning

Mark Smithurst was fishing in the sea at Blackpool

A woman who ran into the sea during a row with her boyfriend could face criminal charges after an angler drowned while trying to rescue her.

Mark Smithurst, 32, went into the sea off Blackpool, Lancashire, to save the couple.

Sarah Churchill and Craig Hurst managed to get out of the water after being thrown lifebelts, but Mr Smithurst drowned.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded at the inquest in Blackpool.

Mr Smithurst drowned while trying to rescue the couple

Mr Smithurst, from Blackpool, had been fishing on the seafront when he saw the couple struggling in the waves on 11 August.

He jumped into the water to help, but was swept out to sea.

Mr Smithurst's body was later washed up on the beach near North Pier.

His pet spaniel was found waiting near the place where its owner had dived into the sea.

The hearing was told the Crown Prosecution Service is considering whether to take further action against Ms Churchill.

The 19-year-old student from Birmingham had gone to the seaside town to try to patch up her relationship with Mr Hurst, who was too ill to attend the hearing.

The inquest heard she had drunk half a bottle of vodka before running into the sea.

Sarah Churchill faces possible criminal charges

In her statement, which was read out to the inquest, Ms Churchill said: "We were shouting at each other. I said: 'That's it, I'm going to drown myself.'

"I said it to get a reaction. I can't believe how stupid I was to go into the water. I'm now full of guilt and remorse."

The coroner said she would have to live with what she had done for the rest of her life.