'Unlawful killing' verdict on another Shipman patient
A verdict of unlawful killing has been recorded for another Harold Shipman patient .
Shipman had claimed Nellie Mullen, 77, died of a heart attack when he arrived at her home after she complained of feeling mildly unwell.
District Coroner John Pollard told Tameside coroner's court Shipman's story "stretched the bounds of credibility beyond their limits".
The warden had been informed of a problem in Ms Mullen's flat through the flats' security system.
When he arrived Mrs Mullen was sitting upright in her chair and only Dr Shipman was with her.
He said: "Dr Shipman told me she was an ailing patient, that he knew about her and said her death was not unexpected".
Shipman persuaded the warden not to call police, saying he wanted to inform Ms Mullen's family personally.
Medical expert Dr John Granville said it was extremely rare for a patient to have a cardiac arrest just before a GP arrived.
He said: "It's like throwing six sixes - it may happen to you twice in your life. It appears in the case of this doctor the dice were loaded".
Mr Pollard interrupted: "When it happens as many as 192 times you can bet your life the dice are loaded".
A family statement after the verdict said: "We welcome the coroner's verdict and are very pleased".
