Shipman's wife 'at victim's house'

At least 466 deaths are being investigated

The wife of serial killer Dr Harold Shipman might be forced to give evidence at the public inquiry after it emerged she was present at the house of one of his patients on the day she died.

The inquiry heard that when Irene Chapman died at home in March 1998 Harold Shipman phoned her niece Celia Saxton to let her know.

When Celia Saxton phoned her aunt's house a few minutes later Shipman's wife Primrose answered the phone. And when Celia Saxton's husband arrived at the house Primrose Shipman opened the door. She said Harold Shipman had had to go away to see another patient.

Primrose Shipman 'opened the door'

Later that day it emerged that two wedding rings were missing from Irene Chapman's house.

On the cremation certificate Harold Shipman said his wife was present at the death. He said a post mortem was not necessary because he was there at the time of death.

Interview

The Shipman Inquiry says attempts are now being made to interview Mrs Shipman.

She has provided a statement so far but has refused to answer questions relating to Irene Chapman's death saying she has valid legal objections which should excuse her from having to do so.

Counsel to the Inquiry, Caroline Swift QC told its head Dame Janet Smith: "The Inquiry legal team is not prepared at this stage to accept Mrs Shipman's refusal to answer the questions put to her by the Inquiry and it will therefore be necessary for the validity of the objections raised by Mrs Shipman to be fully argued before you."

The Inquiry says there will be a hearing on November 1 at which Mrs Shipman's lawyers will be asked to explain why she is not prepared to answer questions about Irene Chapman's death.

Mrs Shipman, a mother-of-four, who now lives near York, closer to Franklands Prison in Co Durham where her husband is serving 15 life sentences, will not be required to attend.