Madelaine Coutinho, 34, had arranged a new home and was being supported by family, friends, colleagues and domestic abuse specialists after ending her four-year relationship with Kieran Miles.

Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard the previously independent and sociable mum had become increasingly distressed, was barely sleeping or eating and was suffering severe panic attacks as she tried to leave the relationship.

Kieran Miles (Image: N)

Her family said she also felt significant pressure from Mr Miles, his mother and people connected with Soul Church to reconcile with him.

In one incident shortly before her death, the court heard people from the Norwich-based church arrived unexpectedly at her home and tried to persuade her to reconsider the separation.

Madelaine, who had already sought specialist domestic abuse support, was left deeply distressed by the encounter.

The court was told she had been found dead at her home in Cambridge Street, in the city's Golden Triangle, on May 11, 2024.

Madelaine Coutinho at the Crown Point Estate (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The hearing painted a picture of a woman adored by those around her.

Known by the nickname Bubbly since childhood, Madelaine worked at the Crown Point Estate, owned by the Colman family, and was described by her employer as “a breath of fresh air” who fitted her role “to a T”.

Her family said she was happy, independent and resilient, with a naturally sociable personality who had always picked herself up after difficult periods in her life.

Above all, the court heard she was a loving and devoted mother determined to provide her son with a stable and happy upbringing.

One of her closest friends described her as “sweet, kind, strong and independent”, adding that her son “was her world”.

Kieran Miles (Image: N)

But family and friends told the inquest they had watched Madelaine change during her relationship with Mr Miles.

They described her becoming increasingly isolated and anxious and losing a significant amount of weight.

Madelaine had always been petite but, her family said, and had never previously been preoccupied with her weight or what she ate.

And during the relationship she began following what was described as a strict “clean” diet.

Friends and relatives also described behaviour they considered controlling, including allegations about when and what Madelaine was permitted to eat.

Her employer said Madelaine had told him meals sometimes had to be eaten with the radio playing because Mr Miles disliked hearing her eat.

A close friend said Madelaine had previously slept and eaten well and taken pride in her appearance, but gradually became withdrawn........

© Eastern Daily Press