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Stepping Hill deaths: Coroner plans further inquests | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Inquests are planned into 10 deaths at Stepping Hill Hospital following the conviction of nurse Victorino Chua. | |
The 49-year-old Filipino was jailed for life on Tuesday for the murders of two people and the poisoning of 20 others. | |
It is understood the 10 deaths were suspected poisonings but police did not have enough evidence to bring a prosecution. | |
Stockport coroner John Pollard said there was nothing at this stage to prove any link to Chua. | |
The inquests were postponed pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings. | The inquests were postponed pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings. |
Inquests may also be resumed into the deaths of Derek Weaver, 83, and 44-year-old Tracey Arden, who were murdered by Chua. He injected insulin into saline bags and ampoules, which were then unwittingly used on patients by other nurses. | |
The coroner is also considering resuming the inquest into the death of Arnold Lancaster, 71, one of 20 patients who were poisoned on two wards between June 2011 and January 2012. | |
Another patient, Grant Misell, 41, was left with a serious brain injury. | Another patient, Grant Misell, 41, was left with a serious brain injury. |
In a statement, the coroner said: "These inquests have stood adjourned at the request of the prosecuting authorities pending the conclusion of the criminal trial. | |
"There is no immediate evidence to suggest that these deaths were caused by insulin poisoning, but in most cases there is reason to believe that whilst the deceased persons were in hospital they each suffered hypoglycaemic episode/s." | |
As well as the two murder, Chua was convicted of 22 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, one of causing grievous bodily harm, seven of attempting to administer a poison and one of administering a poison. | |
He received 25 life sentences and was jailed for a minimum of 35 years. | |
Judge Openshaw said Chua would be 84 years old before he was eligible for parole. | Judge Openshaw said Chua would be 84 years old before he was eligible for parole. |
Chua has released a statement in which he said he was considering grounds for appeal against his conviction. | |
He said: "I will never cease my efforts to prove my innocence." | He said: "I will never cease my efforts to prove my innocence." |
One of the patients poisoned at Stepping Hill Hospital, Zubia Aslam, said she was considering taking legal action over her treatment. | One of the patients poisoned at Stepping Hill Hospital, Zubia Aslam, said she was considering taking legal action over her treatment. |