Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Coroner to give verdict on patient deaths

Pa,Tom Wilkinson
Monday 15 March 2010 08:01 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A coroner will give his verdicts today following inquests into the deaths of three patients of a family GP.

Dr Howard Martin, 76, was cleared of murdering Stanley Weldon, 74, Frank Moss, 59, and Harry Gittins, 74, by administering lethal doses of morphine following a trial in 2005.

He practised in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, but retired to North Wales after the men died between March 2003 and January 2004.

Coroner Andrew Tweddle took two weeks to consider the verdicts he will give at a hearing at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.

When he reopened the three inquests last month, he said Dr Martin was "not on trial in any shape, way or form".

Dr Martin, of Penmaenmawr, Gwynedd, still faces an inquiry at a future date by the General Medical Council.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in