Mother cleared of murdering son

Michelle Dickinson had denied killing her son

A woman from west Cumbria accused of poisoning her seven-year-old son has been cleared of murder.

The judge in the trial of Michelle Dickinson, from Seascale, directed the jury at Liverpool Crown Court to find her not guilty of murdering her son Michael.

Ms Dickinson now faces two alternative charges of attempted murder and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

Ms Dickinson denies both these charges.

Michael died from pneumonia in October 2000, aged seven, after spending several months on a life-support machine in hospital.

Ms Dickinson had always denied murdering Michael.