Couple Acquitted Of Killing Disabled Granddaughter

An elderly couple who were accused of killing their disabled granddaughter have been acquitted.

David and Sarah Johnston, from Carwood Drive, Glengormley, County Antrim, denied charges of manslaughter and child cruelty.

Following the acquittal, Mr Johnson told the judge: "Thank you very much."

Their granddaughter Rebecca McKeown, 14, who was severely disabled and needed round-the-clock care, died in hospital in March 2001 after developing pneumonia.

The trial covered claims that Rebecca had fallen ill after an alleged sexual assault at the hands of one or both of her grandparents, and the court heard she had been admitted to hospital after blood was found in her nappy.

Locum GP Mary Donnelly admitted during the trial that two of her fingers "unintentionally" slipped inside the teenager during an examination.

It was the first time Dr Donnelly had admitted this in the 11 years since examining her.

Although a consultant gynaecologist told the trial the injury sustained would have been "excruciatingly painful", Northern Ireland's state pathologist Professor Jack Crane said he could not be sure that it caused Rebecca's death.

This afternoon, Justice McLaughlin directed a jury to find Mr and Mrs Johnston not guilty after the prosecution offered no further evidence.

He described the case as a "great human tragedy" and said the elderly couple had been attacked and put out of their home as a result of the case.

Prosecuting barrister Toby Hedworth QC said he had come to the decision not to offer further evidence after "anxiously" reviewing forthcoming testimony.

(NE)