Nurse accused over saline deaths is refused bail

Rebecca Leighton, the nurse charged with contaminating saline solution at a hospital in Stockport, Greater Manchester, has been refused bail for her own safety.

She is on remand at Styal prison, having been arrested last month over the deaths of four patients at Stepping Hill Hospital.

Ms Leighton, 27, who was not in Manchester Crown Court yesterday, is due to appear for a plea and case management hearing on 17 October. She is accused of three counts of criminal damage with intent to endanger life and three counts of being reckless as to whether life was being endangered, with a trial date slated for February next year.

Her charges relate to alleged tampering with saline ampoules, saline bags and medical products.

Meanwhile, police are continuing to investigate the suspicious deaths of Tracey Arden, 44, Arnold Lancaster, 71, Derek Weaver, 83, and Vera Pearson, 84.

Further details of yesterday's hearing cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.