Vulnerable pensioner found dead covered in excrement in Didcot

A vulnerable, elderly woman - who hadn't been seen outside her home for 10 years - was found slumped on her sofa, covered in her own excrement for 5 days before she was finally found.

Today, her daughter, Emma-Jane Kurtz, of Blackwater Way, Didcot, was found guilty of Wilful Neglect Oxford Crown Court today. The 41-year-old was sentenced to 2.5 years for neglecting her own mother.

Officers attended her home in July 2014 after a report of the death of her 79-year-old mother Cecily Kurtz had died on a sofa at the property.

Medical crews which attended became concerned about the condition of the property and of Mrs Kurtz and officers subsequently launched an investigation.

Police say she had been slumped over with her chin on her knees for five days.

Thames Valley Police say: “Emma-Jane Kurtz said she had gone in to the room with her mother in three or four times a day. There had been many opportunities over months and years to help her and remove her from that situation.

“This deeply tragic, yet avoidable, case is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to look out for others in our community. If you haven’t seen someone elderly or vulnerable, even if they live with a family member, ask about them and check on them.”