Nurse in court on murder charges

The patients died at Airedale General Hospital

A nurse has appeared in court accused of murdering three hospital patients.

Anne Grigg-Booth appeared at Bingley Magistrates' Court charged with murdering three women, aged 95, 75 and 67, at Airedale General Hospital.

She has also been charged with the attempted murder of a 42-year-old man and 13 charges of administering noxious substances.

The 51-year-old, of Nelson, Lancashire, was bailed to appear at Bradford Crown Court on 19 October.

Poisoning allegation

Mrs Grigg-Booth was making her first court appearance after being charged by West Yorkshire Police last month.

The patients died at the hospital, near Keighley, West Yorkshire between June 2000 and July 2002.

Mrs Grigg-Booth is accused of killing June Driver on 24 July 2000, Eva Blackburn on 13 November 2001 and Annie Midgley on 22 July 2002.

She is also charged with attempting to murder 42-year-old Michael Parker on 18 June 2002.

She is alleged to have variously administered morphine, pethidine and diamorphine to 12 other patients between June 2000 and July 2003.

Mrs Grigg-Booth spoke only to confirm her name and address during the brief hearing.