A WOMAN who was 'violently' killed and left to decompose was found after her partner died of an overdose, an inquest has heard. 

Police officers found Jonathan Parsons, 34, and Kelly Greer, 41, dead when they attended an address in Mersea Road, Colchester, in May last year. 

An inquest was held into their deaths at Chelmsford Coroners Court on Monday. 

The court heard Mrs Greer was found by ambulance staff in the bedroom of the Peabody accommodation, where broken glass and blood splatters were found. 

Mrs Greer, who was originally from Braintree, had suffered a number of serious head injuries and was found in a state of decomposition.

Police had to use her fingerprints to identify her. 

A claw hammer and a metal bar, which at first glance seemed clean, were found in a cupboard. 

A forensic examination revealed that both items showed traces of Mrs Greer’s blood but had been attempted to be cleaned. 

The court heard before her death Mrs Greer had attempted to contact Essex Police to report a domestic abuse incident.

However, it was not categorised as a high risk, leaving the officer in the operation centre to offer an appointment, which was not taken up by Mrs Greer. 

Mr Parsons, 34, who was originally from Southend, was known to the police and had served a custodial sentence following an attack on a former partner. 

He was found unresponsive by staff and emergency service personnel on May 30 at the address in Mersea Road. 

Detective Inspector Ben Anido, head of operational development at Essex Police, said in the case of Mrs Greer and Mr Parsons were “missed opportunities” which had been subject to an internal review. 

Inquest - The inquest was heard at the coroner's court in ChelmsfordInquest - The inquest was heard at the coroner's court in Chelmsford (Image: NQ)

Senior Coroner for Essex Lincoln Brookes said in his conclusion that Mrs Greer had been killed by Mr Parsons. 

He said: “It goes without saying but it needs saying, this is a tragedy. Mrs Greer has led a difficult life. 

“She, unfortunately, came across Mr Parsons, as he caused her death.  

“What we do know is that it is likely they had a volatile relationship.” 

Mr Brookes concluded that her death was “violent” and caused by a “number of blows” and therefore her death was ruled as an unlawful killing. 

Following a toxicologic assessment, Mrs Greer had been under the influence of a significant amount of alcohol, which could have left her unable to defend herself. 

Both of the deceased were known to the authorities for their issues with alcohol abuse and drug issues. 

According to the police report, tablets and alcohol were found near Mr Parsons body and a forensic post-mortem examination ruled his cause of death as complications of multi-drug toxicity. 

Mr Parsons’ death was deemed a drug-related death, as Mr Brookes was unable to determine that he had intentionally taken an overdose of pain-killer type drugs, some of which he had been prescribed, others not. 

Mr Brookes offered his and his staff’s condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.