Woman cleared of boyfriend murder

A woman was cleared of murdering her diabetic boyfriend on Wednesday.

The charge against Teresa Durkin, 30, of Romford, Essex, was dropped after new medical evidence showed Lee Silverman, 26, died of natural causes.

The Old Bailey heard when Mr Silverman died she told family members she had refused to give him insulin.

But an expert has now confirmed that Mr Silverman's diabetic condition had been complicated by a viral infection which led to his death.

Insulin imbalance

Judge Jeremy Roberts said: "It has been a tragic case for everybody."

Jason Dunn-Shaw, prosecuting, said Miss Durkin was charged after Mr Silverman collapsed at the flat they shared in June 2004.

She had told members of her family that she had refused to give Mr Silverman an insulin injection. She now denies that, saying the statements may have been made through guilt or grief.

He had been admitted 19 times to hospital because of insulin imbalance, but had recovered each time.

Mr Dunn-Shaw said it was not known when Mr Silverman had last taken insulin. His condition had deteriorated rapidly.