Woman, 38, lay dead in her flat for more than three years

A woman was found in a “mummified and skeletal state” after lying dead in her flat for more than three and a half years.

Laura Winham, 38, was discovered at her home in Woking, Surrey, by her brother in May 2021.

Dental records showed she died in November 2017, the family’s solicitor said.

Ms Winham’s sister, Nicky, said the family were unable to maintain contact with her.

Years of schizophrenia had led her to believe they would harm her, she said.

Nicky claimed social care and mental health teams had “turned a blind eye” and everybody with a duty of care had “wiped their hands of her and forgot her”.

Speaking before a pre-inquest review at Surrey Coroner’s Court, due to start today, her sister said: “Laura has been so badly let down.

“It’s just heart-breaking to think of how she lived in her last few years, unable to ask for help, without anyone there for her. It’s just tragic.”

Surrey county council and Woking borough council offered their “heartfelt” and “deepest” condolences to Ms Winham’s family.

They said they would continue to support the coroner with their inquiries and the inquest process.

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