Charges dropped against nurse accused of hospital deaths

It was “no longer appropriate” to continue the case against Rebecca Leighton, who was charged with contaminating saline drips at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, the Crown Prosecution Service said. CPS prosecutor Nazir Afzal said: “The inquiries, which are still ongoing, have not so far provided us with a stronger case which would meet the test that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.”

Ms Leighton, who was arrested in July by detectives investigating the deaths of patients, was being freed from jail yesterday afternoon. The CPS said Greater Manchester Police’s investigation continued and “if further evidence is presented” the prosecution could be re-started.

Mr Afzal added: “Rebecca Leighton was charged on the basis that there was a reasonable suspicion she had committed the offences and there were reasonable grounds for believing the continuing investigation would provide further evidence within a reasonable amount of time. When we make a decision on this basis, it would be wrong of us to keep a suspect in custody indefinitely without keeping a very close eye on what evidence is emerging and whether objections to bail can be justified.”

Ms Leighton was held in Styal Prison while a trial date was being set for next year. Mr Afzal said: “We have conducted a review with senior police officers and sought the advice of leading counsel on whether it would be right to keep Rebecca Leighton in custody while investigations are continuing. The advice we have received is that on the evidence currently available there is not a case in law which could proceed and that the charges should be discontinued.”