POLICE have been recommended to review their handling of missing adults after a Liskeard woman lay undiscovered in her house for more than three years – despite calls to police by family, friends and neighbours. The body of the 49-year-old was eventually found by a burglar at her home in Liskeard, in April this year. An inquest this week recorded an open verdict, with coroner Emma Carlyon expressing concern that on at least three occasions concerns for her welfare were raised and the body was not found. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) made 14 recommendations to the Devon and Cornwall police force and a national recommendation to the Association of Chief Police Officers. The IPCC also recommended that two officers, a police constable and sergeant, receive constructive guidance. IPCC Commissioner Ian Bynoe said: 'Any death is a tragedy. This was particularly so as Sally died alone and was undiscovered for a considerable period of time, despite family, friends and neighbours reporting concerns for her well-being and whereabouts. 'The first report to the police raising concerns about her was in May 2003, so there is no suggestion that her death could have been prevented by earlier police action.

Neighbours 'There were several occasions in 2003 when the police were called by neighbours and family highlighting concerns about Sally's well-being and whereabouts. 'This case exemplifies the need for joined-up services between health, police, social services and others that deliver clear, practical, standard operating procedures for individual agencies that support and deliver multi-agency protocols.' The IPCC report makes clear that a lack of mental health awareness and inadequate missing persons training led to Sally not being appropriately risk assessed or treated as a missing person. Poor standards of policing led to unverified information being recorded that Sally had gone into a 'home'. Methods of exchanging information between agencies needed to be improved, said the IPCC. A breakdown of police internal, and police-agency, communication led to calls of serious concern from Sally's family and the public not being recognised and dealt with. A post mortem was unable to ascertain the cause of death because the body was in such a bad condition, but there was no evidence of any trauma to the head or fractures. The inquest heard the ex-carer had become depressed and lived alone after splitting up with her partner in 2001. Originally from Hampshire, she had moved into the house with her partner Trevor Shearing, a town councillor, in 1996. Four people who were arrested near the scene at the time her body was found were released without charge. No-one was ever charged in connection with the burglary.