19/06/2009

Carehome Manager Denies Two Murders

A carehome manager has appeared in court today charged with the murders of two elderly residents care home she co-ran with her husband.

Registered nurse Rachel Baker, 43, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A third murder charge against Mrs baker, who ran Parkfields Residential Care Home in Butleigh, was dropped due to "insufficient evidence".

The 43-year-old, who is jointly charged with her husband Leigh Baker, 50, of a single count of perverting the course of justice - also faces 11 counts of possession of controlled class A and class C drugs.

The court heard the couple; both of Boundary Way, Glastonbury took over the care home in 1988.

The home is now under new management and operating under the name Avalon Court.

Mrs Baker is alleged to have murdered Clara "Lucy" Cox, 97, and Mary "Francis" Hay, 85, between 2006 and 2007.

Meanwhile a murder charge relating to the death of Marion Alder, 79, was dropped after the prosecution did not offer sufficient evidence.

Mr and Mrs Baker were released on bail at the hearing which took place on Friday.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing on 18 September with a potential trial date set for January next year.

(JM/BMcC)

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