The court also heard that Leuga had gradually restricted access to social services, fearing her daughter might be taken into care. She withdrew Loraine from school in 2022 and became increasingly isolated. Her older daughter, Elvira, shared in a letter read at the inquest that while her relationship with her mother was strained, Leuga was deeply loving and patient with Loraine.

Pathologist Dr. Stuart Hamilton stated the pair could have been deceased for several weeks or even months before being found. Leuga’s death was attributed to pneumonia of uncertain cause, while Loraine’s remains unascertained. The case has raised serious questions about the response protocols of emergency services, and the inquest continues this week.