AN alleged assault on an elderly woman in a St Albans nursing home led to the police becoming involved in an investigation into her death some weeks later, St Albans Coroner's Court heard on Monday, August 12.

Mrs Dorothy Mills, 79, suffered from dementia and was a resident of Oakwood Nursing Home in Chene Drive, Waverley Road, St Albans until her death on Christmas Eve last year.

Police were called in to investigate the death because of an alleged assault on December 13 where a member of staff at the home claimed to have seen a colleague strike Mrs Mills across the face with an open hand.

An investigation at the time by police and an examination by Dr Anthony Davies found that there was no bruising or facial marks to substantiate the assault claim. The examination established that the nature of Mrs Mills' condition and her age would have meant that she would have bruised quite easily had she been hit.

Speaking at the inquest, Detective Inspector Colin Sparrow said the member of staff accused of the assault had told police there had been some misunderstanding and that she had been trying to administer Mrs Mills' medication when the elderly lady had attempted to scratch her wrist.

The carer had pulled her hand away sharply and it was this action which was misinterpreted.

The information was forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service, which decided not to pursue the matter.

At the inquest, police provided evidence, following a post mortem, to find whether or not a similar incident may have occured which had hastened Mrs Mills' death on December 24.

Dr Philip Griffin of Highfield surgery, St Albans, was on call on Christmas Eve morning and was told that Mrs Mills had been having trouble breathing. He prioritised her to be his next visit, but when he arrived he was told she had died. He then confirmed the death, but, as a matter of protocol, was unwilling to sign the death certificate in light of the previous inquiry.

The post mortem carried out at Watford General Hospital by Home Office pathologist Nicholas Hunt with the presence of DI Sparrow revealed no injuries to the face, lining of the mouth, or internally.

Coroner Anthony Thomas recorded a verdict that Mrs Mills died of natural causes as a result of her pre-existing medical condition.

August 20, 2002 14:30