THE tragic life of a teenage alcoholic which ended when she stepped in front of a car has been revealed at an inquest.

Chloe Whittaker, 17, of Pine Tree Avenue, Canterbury, was described as "stumbling and gone" before the accident in the city's New Dover Road.

The hearing was told that she began drinking at the age of 10 and became dependent on alcohol. A troubled life saw her placed in secure accommodation in 2000 for persistent self-harm by cutting herself.

In the same year she told GP Dr Gillian Robinson of days spent crying through depression. She saw the doctor again in October 2001 and May 2003 for treatment to scars and cuts on both her arms and legs.

Despite her problems, Chloe was awarded Hairdresser of the Year at Canterbury College during her studies there, but was cautioned by police in 2000 and 2003 for drink-related disorder.

In March 2003 she spent three months under the care of homeless charity Cyrenians, before abandoning her flat. Care worker Jane Robinson told the inquest: "We have all been affected by such a tragic death."

On the night of her death, Chloe had been taken to Kent and Canterbury Hospital by a taxi driver but left after causing a disturbance.

The inquest heard how Chloe had been drinking with friends through the afternoon at the Thomas Ingoldsby pub in Burgate on the day she died.

In recording a narrative verdict deputy coroner Ian Goldup said Chloe had died after consuming a large amount of alcohol and walking in front of a car.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENTISH GAZETTE