Shipman deaths revelation

THE receptionist who worked for Harold Shipman revealed yesterday that the former GP killed four members of her family, including her mother.

Carol Chapman, who worked at Shipman’s surgery in Hyde, Greater Manchester, from August 1992 until December 2000, made the revelation at the inquiry into the former doctor’s crimes in Manchester.

Ms Chapman’s mother, Nellie Bardsley, died in December 1987, and her aunt, Mary Winterbottom, in September 1984.

Her mother-in-law, Irene Chapman, died in March 1998, and her aunt Elsie Hannible died in July 1996, after she had taken up her post. Dame Janet Smith, who is chairing the inquiry, ruled last year that all four were unlawfully killed by Shipman.

Ms Chapman said she was “shocked” to hear of her Aunt Elsie’s death.

She added she was not told how Mrs Hannible had died by Shipman.

Shipman, 57, was jailed for life at Preston Crown Court in January 2000 for the murders of 15 patients. Last year the inquiry decided he had claimed the lives of at least 215 of his patients over a 23-year period.