Somerset care home manager denies murder

A former manager of a care home in Somerset has denied murdering two women in her care after she allegedly became addicted to prescription drugs.

Rachel Baker has pleaded guilty to eight charges of possessing controlled drugs and another of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The 44-year-old denies two charges of murdering former home residents, Lucy Cox, 97, and Frances Hay, 85.

The trial at Bristol Crown Court is likely to last two months.

Massive overdose

Prosecutor David Fisher told the jury in his opening statement that Mrs Baker murdered two of the residents by giving them an overdose of prescription drugs.

In the case of 97-year-old Mrs Cox, he said that she was given a massive overdose of a painkilling drug called Tramadol.

The prosecution said she was killed on New Year’s Day in 2007.

Mr Fisher said that another resident of the care home, 85-year-old Frances Hay, was murdered in November 2006.

He told the jury the killings happened against a background of Mrs Baker being addicted to the very prescription drugs she was supposed to be giving to the residents.

Mr Fisher said that as the manager, Mrs Baker was responsible for the care of the residents and the administration of drugs.

The trial continues.