A CORONER has decided not to hold an inquest into the death of an 11-month old baby from Nelson who died of head injuries consistent with being smashed into a wall.

East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor has been reviewing the file into the death of Courtney-Ann Shailes, of Railway Street, who lost her life in August 2006.

Babysitter Lynne Thornton, formerly known as Lynne Jeffrey, then of Bird Street, Brierfield, was cleared at a Preston Crown Court of her murder.

She blamed her then-boyfriend Andrew Elliott, of Poplar Street, Nelson, during the trial but no charges have ever been brought against him.

Mr Taylor had provisionally listed a hearing for the case in November, more than four years after Courtney’s death.

But East Lancashire coroner’s officer PC Bob Wilson has now confirmed that no inquest is scheduled to take place.

“The coroner has received the full file from the crown court case and has decided that the case was fully heard at the trial and he will defer to the crown court’s version of events,” said PC Wilson.

The original trial, in July 2007, heard that Courtney had suffered head injuries consistent with being swung by her legs and smashed into a wall.

Courtney’s family, led by her great-aunt Jackie Davies and the baby’s mother, Samantha, have led a campaign seeking justice for the youngster.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We can confirm that there has been a further investigation into this case but there has been no new or compelling evidence come to light to enable us to pursue a conviction.”