A Kilburn woman was found lying dead on the paveme
A Kilburn woman was found lying dead on the pavement with a bin liner over her head, an inquest heard today.
(Weds)
The body of Theresa McLean, 51, was discovered by early morning passers-by a short walk from her home, Westminster Coroner’s Court was told.
Mrs McLean, who had a history of mental problems and failed suicide bids, was wearing just her nightie and the black bag.
She had been acting oddly in the days before her death telling her daughter: ‘I have lost the plot.
I am losing it.
‘
Donna McLean confirmed she had stopped her mother taking an overdose of pills two years ago.
On another occasion Mrs McLean had been found on the railway tracks at Queens Park tube station, the court heard.
In February this year she had tried to run in front of a bus in Carlton Vale, Kilburn, and spent time in a a psychiatric hospital.
Her daughter, who lived with her at Cadbury Terrace, said that she last saw her mother in bed at 10.
30pm on the night before her death.
The following morning, July 7, Mrs McLean’s body was found by a horrified pensioner near the recreation ground in Grantully Road, Maida Vale.
The man then shouted at passer-by Anthony Tebbutt, a New Zealand police officer who was out with his girlfriend.
Mr Tebbutt said he saw Mrs McLean’s lifeless body and immediately rang the police.
Officers found no signs of foul play, the inquest was told.
Dr Vesna Djurovic said a post mortem showed the cause of death was suffocation.
‘Death in these cases can be very rapid.
It is a painless death and individuals would lapse into unconsciousness prior to death occurring,’ explained the pathologist.
Coroner Dr Paul Knapman concluded: ‘Bearing all the evidence in mind I’m satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that she did this to herself.
‘I say she killed herself while the balance of her mind was disturbed.
‘
Verdict: Suicide.
ends
