AN ALCOHOLIC died after falling from the top of a staircase at Bolton's Salvation Army Hostel in Duke Street, an inquest was told.

Peter Dobson, aged 39, suffered severe head injuries in the fall last year.

Mr Dobson, who had a history of mental problems, had been suffering drink-related hallucinations. He had been spotted by staff talking to "invisible people".

Residents saw Mr Dobson holding on to the stairwell's bannister balancing on a bottom rung before he toppled over.

Coroner Jennifer Leeming said she was not satisfied he knew the consequences of his actions and recorded a verdict of misadventure.