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PRISON officers took 13 minutes to assist an epileptic woman suffering from a fit in her cell, a court has heard.  Deputy State Coroner Anthony Schapel is holding an inquest into the March 2008 death of 40-year-old Laura Parker - a mentally ill mother who was suffering from borderline personality disorder.

Today, the court heard CCTV footage suggested it took 13 minutes from when a prison officer noticed Ms Parker shaking and with froth oozing from her mouth, to when she received medical treatment.

She later died from hypoxic encephalopathy due to her epilepsy problems.

Naomi Kereru, counsel assisting, told the court that in the 72 hours leading up to Ms Parker's death, her mental health had been decreasing and she not been taking her anti-convulsant medication.

She said Ms Parker had refused to shower, resulting in prison staff spraying her with a fire hose a day before her death.

The court heard Ms Parker had refused to leave her cell, which had become squalid.

Ms Kereru said preparations had been made to transfer her to James Nash House - a mental health facility - but there were no suitable beds available.

The court heard Ms Parker had been arrested for loitering and disorderly behaviour before she was incarcerated.

Ms Kereru said that during a court session, Ms Parker had placed her feet on the dock and began snoring.

The court heard Ms Parker later told prison officers that she had been "talking to god" and was often seen dancing in her cell throughout the night.

The court heard that at 4.39pm a prison officer had noticed Ms Parker seizing, but it was not until 4.52pm that cardio pulmonary resuscitation occurred.

 The inquest is continuing.