Manchester man, 83, released after morphine-patch arrest
An 83-year-old man who was locked up for seven hours after giving his wife a painkiller patch at her Manchester care home has been released without charge.
Walter Crompton was arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance when Eileen was given the morphine plaster for her arthritis.
He was banned from visiting his wife unless supervised after Allendale Residential Home told social services.
The home said it had followed safeguarding procedures.
A spokeswoman for the home, in Blackley, said: "We strictly follow the guidelines with regard patient care and protection to ensure they receive the highest standard of care."
The home contacted social services about its concerns, the police were then notified and Mr Crompton was arrested in April.
"We follow safeguarding procedures strictly at all times," she added.
'Potentially serious incident'
Mr Crompton, from Manchester, was interviewed by police twice and had been released on bail.
The CPS then reviewed the case and decided there was insufficient evidence to charge Mr Crompton, whose wife also suffers from dementia.
He said: "It's a big relief. It has been a nightmare, the last 12-weeks. An absolute nightmare.
"I'm thankful it's all over."
Det Supt Joanne Rawlinson said: "This was a potentially serious incident in which a vulnerable elderly woman with significant health issues could have come to serious harm.
"People would expect the police to always conduct a thorough investigation.
"An integral part of the inquiry was to safeguard the potential victim and, while the investigation was ongoing, bail conditions were necessary to ensure this happened."