The skeletal remains of Laura Winham, 41, were discovered in her flat in Surrey, UK, more than three years after her death, an inquest has revealed.
Winham, who had struggled with mental health issues, was found by her brother in May 2021 after her family raised concerns for her safety and requested police intervention.
Winham’s family stated that social and mental health services had “abandoned and left her to die,” and believe she passed away in November 2017, approximately three and a half years before her body was found.
The inquest, which began at Surrey Coroner’s Court, heard that despite the family contacting Woking Borough Council (WBC) in March 2021, a welfare check went unanswered.
A former employee of New Vision Homes, the managing agent for WBC, testified that Winham’s vulnerability was not properly flagged, which could have prompted earlier intervention.
Authorities, including a gas company, had tried to reach her for routine checks, but no response was received, leading to the termination of her gas supply in 2019.
A statement from a former employee at New Vision Homes, which was the landlord contractor for WBC from 2015 to April 2022, said: ‘Ms Winham’s sister reached out on March 31, 2021 to ask if New Vision Homes had been in contact with her. Her family said a lot of post had gathered and they were concerned about her.
The inquest continues as questions arise regarding the missed opportunities to help Winham before her tragic death.
