A VULNERABLE woman was found “mummified and like a skeleton” after lying dead in her flat for more than three years, an inquest heard.
Laura Winham, 38, was discovered by her brother when he visited the home in Woking, Surrey, to tell her their father had passed away.
2
Laura Winham was found in her apartment three years after her deathCredit: PA
He was about to leave but went back to “take one last look” through the mailbox when he noticed what looked like a leg under the covers.
Police broke down the door to find Laura, who was 41 when she was found, in a “mummified” state, an inquest heard.
Her devastated family believe she was “abandoned and left to die” by social and mental health services.
Surrey Coroner’s Court was told Laura has schizophrenia and believes her loved ones are trying to harm her.
She is believed to have died in November 2017 – three and a half years before her body was found.
Her sister contacted New Visions Homes two months before the discovery because they were concerned about Laura’s welfare.
The officer went to the social housing apartment, but there was no response, the inquest heard.
A statement from a former employee of New Vision Homes, which was a landlord for WBC from 2015 to April 2022, said: “Ms Winham’s sister contacted her on 31 March 2021 to ask if New Vision Homes had contacted her.
“Her family said a lot of mail had piled up and they were concerned for her welfare.
“Woking District Council ended up knocking on the door with no one answering. At the end of May, New Vision Homes were told she had been found dead.”
The statement added that it was “clear that she was vulnerable” and that she “should have been marked as vulnerable as this would have alerted New Vision Homes and WBC to her vulnerability”.
Laura’s gas was turned off in January 2019 because a contractor could not gain access to carry out an annual inspection.
Attempted several times to contact Laura by phone and mail regarding scheduled appointment in December 2018 with no response.
The court heard that Laura was given an eviction notice in April 2014 after falling behind on her rent of £1,579.
The municipal housing officer intervened and helped Laura make a new claim for housing benefit and encouraged her to see her GP.
Her rent arrears were subsequently paid by a third party and the eviction did not occur.
The investigation continues.
2
Laura was discovered by her brother at a house in WokingCredit: PA
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education