A MANSLAUGHTER trial involving a Blackburn doctor ended dramatically today after a Crown Court judge directed the jury to clear him.

Justice Ognall told jurors to find Doctor Francis Apaloo, 55, of Wyfordby Avenue, Blackburn, not guilty after hearing medical evidence from a police surgeon.

The doctor was accused of causing the death of 16-year-old Jamie Edmondson after prescribing a fatal dose of methadone over the telephone.

The defendant hugged relatives after the verdict was announced.

Jamie died 18 months ago at a Blackburn care home for young offenders.

The court heard that the youngster, from Carnforth, had told staff at the home that he had taken drugs earlier that week. He also complained of feeling sick and unwell and told staff he was suffering from stomach cramps.

A post mortem examination later revealed there were no drugs in Jamie's body.

The decision to throw out the case was taken after police surgeon Doctor Stephen Robinson admitted under cross-examination that Doctor Apaloo would probably have given Jamie methadone even if he had seen him in person.

Judge Ognall then criticised the Crown Prosecution Service for the delay in bringing the case to court.

He said: "I am deeply concerned about the delay and want a full report from the Crown Prosecution Service on this matter as soon as possible."

The judge added: "If upon an appraisal of evidence the judge concludes that evidence falls short of that upon which a jury could safely convict then it is encumbent upon the judge to withdraw the case and direct the jury to return a verdict of not guilty. "I have decided that this is one of those rare cases where it is appropriate to take it upon myself to direct you to acquit this man."

The judge said: "The prosecution in all the circumstances cannot invite you with the necessary confidence to conclude that had Doctor Apaloo attended the home the tragic outcome would have been any different.

"As we all now know Jamie had probably not taken diamorphine and that there is no doubt that in those circumstances and with the benefit of hindsight Doctor Apaloo ought not to have prescribed methadone.

"In the result Jamie's turbulent young life was brought to a catastrophic end."

After the verdict Gillian Edmundson, the mother of Jamie, said:"I am still in shock."

Outside court Doctor Apaloo's solicitor, Christopher Briggs read a prepared statement which said: "Doctor Apaloo is grateful to the Medical Defence Union, his legal team and especially his wife, family and all those patients who have pledged their support for him.

"Doctor Apaloo would like to express his deepest sympathy to the family of Jamie Edmonson for the tragic loss.

"Doctor Apaloo is now looking forward to returning to looking after his patients."

The doctor refused to make any further comment about his 18-month ordeal.

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