Mother cleared of murder attempt

Jan 25 2010

A mother has been found not guilty of attempting to murder her bed-ridden daughter by giving her morphine and a cocktail of drugs.

Bridget Kathleen Gilderdale, known as Kay, had already admitted aiding and abetting the suicide of 31-year-old Lynn Gilderdale at the family bungalow.

She was given a 12-month conditional discharge for assisting the suicide.

The jury at Lewes Crown Court returned its verdict after deliberating for less than two hours.

Cries were heard from the public gallery as the not guilty verdict was read by the foreman.

Mr Justice Bean said: "I do not normally comment on the verdicts of juries but in this case their decision, if I may say so, shows that common sense, decency and humanity which makes jury trials so important in a case of this kind.

"There is no dispute that you were a caring and loving mother and that you considered that you were acting in the best interests of your daughter."

The judge added that she acted selflessly and with exemplary devotion for 17 years.