DETECTIVES are to reconsider the case of a Whitefield mother viciously beaten to death at her home.

The move was confirmed by detectives last night after a coroner recorded a verdict that 52-year-old Linda Southwood was unlawfully killed.

She was found dead with throat injuries at the home she shared with her husband, Albert, 63, in Pinfold Lane.

Coroner Barrie Williams told a Bury inquest yesterday that Mrs Southwood died violently "at the hands of a third person".

He stressed that the only people in the locked house at the time were Mr Southwood, his son, Darren, and Darren's Greek girlfriend, Carrie. There was no evidence to suggest any intruder had entered the property.

Detectives have been unable to charge anyone with the murder of the tragic textile machinist. Crown Prosecution Service solicitors have decided there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone.

Two Home Office pathologists agreed that an injury to Linda's throat was caused after her death while other bruising and abrasions were caused before she died.

Mrs Southwood's husband was arrested soon after her body was discovered but, despite extensive questioning while being held on suspicion of murder, he was never charged. No one else has been formally questioned as suspects in the case.

Bury detectives are now to re-consider their investigation and hold discussions with the CPS before making any further decision on the case.

In an interview with police, Mr Southwood said that the night before his wife died, he made sexual advances towards her but she rejected his demands for sex.

He told detectives: "I am just not used to being told 'no'. In my previous marriage I was never refused. I am insatiable but it was just too much for Linda.

"I don't like rejection. I decided to sleep in a separate room and lock the door to get my own back on her if she changed her mind." Mr Southwood woke the following morning and went to his wife's bedroom to make up for the previous night and discovered her body on the floor of their home.

Recording the verdict of "unlawful killing," coroner Mr Williams said: "I am satisfied with the evidence of the pathologist that a third party was involved. Linda Southwood had some measure of violence used against her and died as a consequence of that violence."

In a brief statement by Linda's children, David and Deborah, the family -- who live on the outskirts of Bolton -- said: "It has been proven beyond all doubt that the cause of death was by an act of violence. We feel that we cannot rest until justice has been done and the person responsible has been charged."