Nanny Cleared Of Baby Death

A nanny accused of killing a baby in her care by shaking the boy has been freed by the court.

Prosecutors had alleged that 47-year-old Linda Wise shook Isaac Rowlinson when he was 13-weeks-old and caused him brain damage in September, 2006.

Isaac, the son of a Lancashire Police detective Paul, 41, and his police constable wife, Lisa, 38, died 10 months later after suffering an epileptic fit.

Miss Wise, 47, of Gaerwen, Anglesey, north Wales, had denied manslaughter at Liverpool Crown Court.

Mr Justice David Clarke informed the defence and prosecution, in the absence of a jury, that he considered there was "insufficient evidence" against the defendant.

He said "in his view" the jury "could not reasonably conclude that the bleeding on Isaac's brain took place in the timeframe alleged by prosecutors".

He added that the "loss to the parents of Isaac is incalculable" and the defendant herself has been "under a cloud of suspicion for a long time".

Prosecutor Nick Johnson said that the alleged shaking of Isaac had caused the epilepsy, which later killed Isaac, making Miss Wise "criminally responsible" for his death.

Helen Morris of the Crown Prosecution Service insisted that the trial had been "properly brought" but acknowledged that evidence which came to light during the hearing had affected the judges decision.

Isaac's parents did not attend the court for the ruling.

Outside court, Miss Wise's solicitor Neil Hampson read a statement on her behalf.

It said: "The last two years of my life have been put on hold because of the dreadful allegations made against me.

"I have never harmed a child in my care and would never do so. And I certainly did not harm baby Isaac.

"I have been totally vindicated by the outcome today but the prosecution has effectively put an end to my career in healthcare."

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell, of Lancashire Constabulary's Major Investigation Team said "we are naturally disappointed with the outcome" but "we respect the judge's ruling and accept his comments".

"Our thoughts remain with Paul and Lisa who, regardless of the outcome of this case, have lost their son," he said.

It is reported that Miss Wise, who has worked for the actor Ed Stoppard and some minor European royals, closed her eyes as the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

It is understood that the Rowlinson's had hired Miss Wise a month before the alleged incident.

(DS)