Inquest told stroke patient died after 'forceable sexual assault' at Blackpool hospital
Forensic pathologist says injury was inflicted after admission; police opened investigation into alleged mistreatment and neglect
A 75-year-old woman who was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital after suffering a stroke died as a result of a "forceable sexual assault", a coroner was told at an inquest in Lancashire.
Retired clerical assistant Valerie Kneale died on 16 November 2018, four days after suffering a stroke at her home in Poulton-le-Fylde, the inquest at Blackpool Town Hall was told. While staff were preparing her body to be moved to the mortuary, three healthcare assistants identified "extensive" and "significant bleeding around the vaginal area".
Forensic pathologist Dr Alison Armour carried out a post-mortem examination and concluded that Mrs Kneale did not die from the stroke but from injuries caused by a forceable sexual assault. Dr Armour told the inquest she believed the injury was inflicted "at least 48 hours before death" and that it occurred after Mrs Kneale's admission to hospital.
The inquest heard that no concerns were raised either at the time the healthcare assistants noticed the bleeding or during Mrs Kneale's hospital stay. Detectives later ordered a post-mortem examination as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of mistreatment and neglect.
Representatives at the hearing described the sequence of events leading to the discovery of the injuries and set out the forensic findings to the coroner and attendees. The inquest is examining the circumstances of Mrs Kneale's admission, the care she received in hospital, the timing and nature of the injuries, and the response once they were discovered.
The case has prompted police inquiries alongside the coroner's investigation. Authorities have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made. Hospital trusts and staff responses to such incidents are typically examined in inquests to establish what happened, when concerns were raised and whether procedures to protect vulnerable patients were followed.
The inquest continues as investigators and medical experts prepare evidence for the coroner. Further hearings will consider witness testimony, medical records and any additional forensic analysis as the probe into the allegations of mistreatment and neglect proceeds.
