Mum-of-four died after being stabbed in the back

Police and paramedics were called to an altercation on St Vincent Road in on July 18

A woman died from a stab wound after a violent altercation in Newport, an inquest opening heard.

Charlene Dowsell, 41, from Maesglas in Newport, died from a stab wound after police and paramedics were called to an altercation on St Vincent Road at around 1.30am on July 18.

Gwent Coroner’s Court heard on Monday that police had received a call alerting them to a man and woman fighting, with the woman bleeding.

Emergency services attended but despite first aid attempts Ms Dowsell was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Coroner Rose Farmer told the court that an inquest is being opened due to it being a violent death.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter and a provisional cause of death has been given as a stab wound to the left back, involving lower lobe of left lung, left hemi diaphragm, stomach and left lobe of liver.

A man has been charged with murder in connection with the incident. Albert Williams, 66, has been remanded into custody.

The inquest will resume on a date to be confirmed pending the completion of criminal proceedings.

In the days following her death, Ms Dowsell was remembered by her family as a “beautiful daughter and mum”.

The family’s statement reads: “To our beautiful daughter Charlene, mum of four beautiful children. They say time will heal, but time will never change how we as a family feel.

“You’re so loved by everyone that really knew you. You have left us broken hearted – we are all in shock. We don’t know what to do but we are finding comfort in memories we have of you. You did not deserve what you went through our girl.

“Losing our daughter at such a young age, she was the foundation to our family and without her it’s difficult to know what to do and what comes next. Four children without a mum is just heartbreaking.

“Gone are the days we used to share but in my heart you will always be there. You’re at peace now our beautiful girl. Gone but never forgotten.”