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Burglar cleared of woman's murder Burglar cleared of woman's murder
(30 minutes later)
A burglar who attacked a 94-year-old woman has been cleared of her murder.A burglar who attacked a 94-year-old woman has been cleared of her murder.
Stafford Crown Court heard that Ada Hopkinson never fully regained consciousness after the 2005 assault and died in hospital in 2008 aged 97.Stafford Crown Court heard that Ada Hopkinson never fully regained consciousness after the 2005 assault and died in hospital in 2008 aged 97.
Benjamin Brough, 21, of Leek, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in May 2006 and sentenced to 12 years in prison.Benjamin Brough, 21, of Leek, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in May 2006 and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The judge ordered his acquittal after hearing evidence from medical experts, as well as Mrs Hopkinson's daughter.The judge ordered his acquittal after hearing evidence from medical experts, as well as Mrs Hopkinson's daughter.
Brough was convicted in May 2006 for attacking Mrs Hopkinson at her home in Leek on 17 March 2005.Brough was convicted in May 2006 for attacking Mrs Hopkinson at her home in Leek on 17 March 2005.
'Evidence tested''Evidence tested'
The Crown Prosecution Service said after Brough's murder trial that it had reviewed the case following Mrs Hopkinson's death.The Crown Prosecution Service said after Brough's murder trial that it had reviewed the case following Mrs Hopkinson's death.
Photos of Ada Hopkinson's injuries were shown to the court
It said it had sought to establish whether it was possible to prove the cause of her death was "directly attributable to the defendant and his actions".It said it had sought to establish whether it was possible to prove the cause of her death was "directly attributable to the defendant and his actions".
Acting chief crown prosecutor Keith Prosser said: "During the trial process this evidence has been tested and sufficient doubts have been raised for the judge to order an acquittal."Acting chief crown prosecutor Keith Prosser said: "During the trial process this evidence has been tested and sufficient doubts have been raised for the judge to order an acquittal."
Staffordshire Police said the decision of the court was a disappointment to Mrs Hopkinson's family.Staffordshire Police said the decision of the court was a disappointment to Mrs Hopkinson's family.
In a statement, the force passed on condolences to Pat and Keith Davis, Mrs Hopkinson's daughter and son-in-law.In a statement, the force passed on condolences to Pat and Keith Davis, Mrs Hopkinson's daughter and son-in-law.
"Our condolences go to Pat and Keith Davis who had to endure the pain and heartache of seeing Ada go from being an independent healthy woman to being unconscious in hospital for the last three years of her life."Our condolences go to Pat and Keith Davis who had to endure the pain and heartache of seeing Ada go from being an independent healthy woman to being unconscious in hospital for the last three years of her life.
"Throughout their ordeal they have handled the situation with remarkable dignity.""Throughout their ordeal they have handled the situation with remarkable dignity."