A pensioner who was subjected to a violent sexual assault in hospital was unlawfully killed, a coroner has concluded.

Valerie Kneale, 75, died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 16 2018, four days after she was admitted following a stroke at her home in Poulton-le-Fylde, in Lancashire.

The retired clerical assistant was said to be 'chatty' when her family left shortly before midnight on November 12. Her relatives were urgently called back to the hospital after 'a marked deterioration' in her condition was noted early on the day shift, the inquest heard.

Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here

Blackpool Coroner’s Court was told how it was thought the effects of her stroke had worsened and it was agreed Mrs Kneale wou

See Full Page