Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

GP charged with patient's murder

Chris Hamilton
Monday 07 September 1998 23:02 BST
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 GP was charged last night with the murder of an elderly patient whose body was exhumed from her grave.

Greater Manchester police said Dr Harold Shipman, 52, of Roe Cross Green, Mottram, Cheshire, had been charged after an investigation into the death of his patient, Kathleen Grundy, 81, of Hyde, Greater Manchester.

A police spokesman said Dr Shipman had also been charged with forgery and attempted deception. Dr Shipman is due to appear at Tameside Magistrates' Court in the morning.

The police spokesman added: "As a result of these charges police will be making further inquiries into a number of other deaths."

Ms Grundy's body was exhumed from its grave on 1 August this year, two months after she died. Relatives of the former mayoress from Hyde raised concerns when they realised her will had been changed. She had left nothing from an estate estimated at more than pounds 300,000 to her daughter, Angela Woodruff, 53, a solicitor from Warwick, or to her grandsons Richard, 24, and Matthew, 23.

Mrs Grundy, a charity worker, was described as "sprightly" by friends. The day before she had watched a World Cup football match on television.

It is understood Dr Shipman voluntarily walked into Ashton police station yesterday morning, accompanied by his solicitor, and was arrested.

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