AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a ‘keen walker’ who was found in a woodland after being reported missing.

An extensive police search took place after Judith Kelly, 55, was reported missing on Saturday, October 21.

Judith was last seen at her home on Merley Drive, Highcliffe, and was described as a ‘keen walker’ who could have walked ‘some distance from Christchurch’.

Area coroner for Dorset, Brendan Allen, opened the inquest into her death on November 28 at Bournemouth Town Hall.

Acting senior coroner officer, Nikki Muller, told Dorset Coroner’s Court that Judith was a housewife to a retired police officer and was reported missing on October 21.

At around 12.20pm on October 23, Judith was found unresponsive in a woodland close to her home.

Pc Thomas identified Judith using a family photograph and police do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

A post-mortem examination conducted by Dr Muhaisein found the provisional cause of death to be paracetamol intoxication.

Mr Allen adjourned the full inquest until June 3 at 10am and has requested statements from Judith’s family, GP, mental health services and the police.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said at the time of Judith’s death: “We would like to thank everyone who assisted with the searches and our thoughts are with Judith’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”

Anyone can contact Samaritans free 24/7. Call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org for more information.