Leeds man among two people to appear at court following neglect death of 24-year-old woman

A Leeds man is among two people who will appear in court following the death of a 24-year-old woman from severe emaciation and neglect.
By Daniel Sheridan
Published 23rd Mar 2021, 16:55 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2021, 16:56 BST
Police found the body of Debbie Leitch when they were called by the ambulance service to an address in Garden Terrace, Blackpool, on the evening of August 29 2019.Police found the body of Debbie Leitch when they were called by the ambulance service to an address in Garden Terrace, Blackpool, on the evening of August 29 2019.
Police found the body of Debbie Leitch when they were called by the ambulance service to an address in Garden Terrace, Blackpool, on the evening of August 29 2019.

Police found the body of Debbie Leitch when they were called by the ambulance service to an address in Garden Terrace, Blackpool, on the evening of August 29 2019.

A Home Office post-mortem examination gave a cause of death as severe emaciation and neglect with extensive scabies skin infection, said Lancashire Police.

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In a statement, the force added: “A total of six people were interviewed as suspects in connection with the inquiry and following a thorough police investigation and after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service two people have today been summonsed to appear at court.

“Elaine Clarke, 48, of Garden Terrace, Blackpool has been summonsed to answer the charge of gross negligence manslaughter.

“Robert Bruce, 45, of Windsor Crescent, Rothwell, Leeds, has been summonsed for the offence of allowing or causing the death of a vulnerable adult.

“Both are due to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on April 20.

“Four other people were released without charge.”