Deaths probe widens after GP case

Dr Howard Martin was cleared of three murders

A coroner is to investigate the deaths of 12 patients of a retired GP cleared of murdering three men - and has said he may look into further cases.

Dr Howard Martin, 71, was cleared of murdering Harry Gittins, 74, Stanley Weldon, 74, and Frank Moss, 59, all of Co Durham, with morphine overdoses.

On Thursday Durham Police said they were to hand files into the deaths of 12 more patients to the coroner.

Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle said the acquittal did not preclude an inquiry.

Dr Martin, who formerly practised in Newton Aycliffe, was found not guilty on Wednesday following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

The 12 cases being referred to the coroner have already been considered by the Crown Prosecution Service but no charges were brought due to insufficient evidence, police said.

Mr Tweddle said he expected his inquiries to take months

Mr Tweddle said he could not say exactly how many deaths would be reported to him.

He said: "It is possible that when I have had opportunity to consider in detail these various files that I may require further inquiries to be carried out.

"I am unable to say at this time how many if any of these deaths which I anticipate being reported to me will result in inquests being opened."

He said he could not give any indications about when his inquiries would be complete, but he expected it would take months rather than weeks.

He said he would review the cases of Mr Gittins, Mr Weldon and Mr Moss to decide whether their inquests would be resumed.

He said the inquest into the death of a fourth man, William Kerr, would be resumed. His body was exhumed by police but there were no charges over his death.

On Thursday, Dr Martin's solicitor said she did not believe further charges would be brought against him.