Inquiry into stab killer's care

Maurice Hilton was found with a knife wound

A independent inquiry is to be held into the care and treatment given to a woman before she stabbed her former lover to death in County Durham.

Louisa Ovington was jailed indefinitely for her fatal attack on Maurice Hilton, 46, at her home in Beechdale Close, Peterlee, in 2006.

The then 27-year-old admitted manslaughter. A court heard she had a history of drug and alcohol abuse.

The probe has been commissioned by the North East Strategic Health Authority.

The inquiry panel will look at the healthcare and treatment received by Ovington, the suitability of care and the exercise of professional and clinical judgement.

Mr Hilton, of Dormant Villa, Station Town, died in hospital a short time after the attack with a kitchen knife.

Newcastle Crown Court heard during the trial that Ovington sent a text to a friend saying she had seen red after her lover bragged about previous sexual conquests, the court heard.