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Birmingham Mail
Aug 17, 2013
A DEPRESSED Black Country factory worker died accidentally in a tragic ‘cry for help’ after placing a plastic bag over her head. Press operator Helen Weston, 50, of Mincing Lane, Rowley Regis, had a long history of alcohol abuse, depression and attempts to harm herself, an inquest heard.
But her death due to asphyxia, while husband Lee took their dog for a walk, had not been intentional, senior coroner Robin Balmain said.
Consultant pathologist Dr Sixto Batitang, who carried out a post mortem at Russells Hall Hospital following the tragedy on April 15 this year, said Mr Weston had found his wife with an untied black bin bag on her head, after he had been away from the house for just 15 minutes.
Mr Balmain said Mrs Westosn had received medication for anxiety and depression in January, but was feeling much better by the end of the month and wanted to return to work. But she broke her foot on March 9, ane her mental health suffered.
The coroner ruled that death was accidental, adding: “She must have known that her husband was going to be back very shortly.”