A huge reward has been offered in exchange for information in the case of a woman who died in her hospital bed after being sexually assaulted.
Valerie Kneale, 75, died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 16, 2018 from a haemorrhage caused by a "non-medical related internal injury". A post-mortem examination concluded the vulnerable mum, who had been admitted to the hospital on November 12 after having a stroke and breaking her leg after falling from a chair, had suffered the injury due to a vaginal tear, believed to have been caused by a sex attack committed after she moved onto the hospital's stroke ward.
A male member of staff was arrested on suspicion of murder, two offences of rape and one offence of sexual assault, but was never charged.
READ MORE: Fascinating 80s photos of demolished Liverpool estate and city life
More than four years after Ms Kneale's death, independent charity Crimestoppers has announced it is offering up to £20,000 in exchange for anonymous information leading to the conviction of her killer.
Gary Murray, Crimestoppers regional manager for the North West, said: “Whilst four years may have passed, our thoughts are very much with Valerie’s family and friends who remain desperate for answers as to exactly what happened.
“Valerie was a patient in hospital undergoing important medical treatment when she endured an horrific attack which ultimately led to her death. We believe there are people who know what happened or have suspicions.
“Crimestoppers is here to help make all our communities safe by giving people a way to speak up about crime, completely anonymously. You can talk to us with no comeback. That means we never ask for or store any of your personal details.
“If you know something, even if you think it’s insignificant, what you know could make a positive difference. Please call our UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or use our website’s simple and secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address and we never ask for or record any personal information. No one will ever know you contacted us.”
The investigation into Ms Kneale's death came following reports of mistreatment and neglect on Blackpool Victoria Hospital's stroke unit, in Lancashire, in November 2018. Three nurses and two healthcare charges appeared in Preston Crown Court in June 2022, accused of offences relating to the theft of drugs and ill-treatment of patients, including giving unprescribed sedation.
All five defendants were granted unconditional bail and will return to court on August 8 2023.
The reward for information in the case of Valerie Kneale will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling the charity on 0800 555 111. If you contact Crimestoppers via the anonymous online form, the 'keeping in contact’ facility must be used and a reward code must be requested. You must log back in 24 hours later to get the code.
READ NEXT
Live as Eurovision 2023 tickets go on sale - prices and updates
Paedophile ‘didn’t realise it was illegal’ to have 15,000 indecent child images
Maggie Fu hit by 1 star food hygiene rating
Woman thought dad was going to die after 24-hour wait in A&E corridor
When and where snow will fall as Met Office issues four day weather warning
