Leeds man denies involvement in neglect death of 24-year-old woman

A Leeds man has denied being involved in the death of a vulnerable woman.
By Rebecca Marano
Published 19th May 2021, 11:04 BST
Updated 19th May 2021, 11:06 BST
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Robert Bruce appeared at Preston Crown Court today alongside the woman's mother, who denies gross negligence.

On Wednesday, May 19, Elaine Clarke, 49, appeared at in court and entered a not guilty plea to the unlawful killing of Debbie Leitch in Blackpool, Lancashire.

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Police found the body of Ms Leitch, aged 24, when they were called by the ambulance service to an address in Garden Terrace on the evening of August 29 2019.

Robert Bruce, 45, of Rothwell, pleaded not not guilty to causing or allowing the death of Debbie Leitch, at Preston Crown Court.Robert Bruce, 45, of Rothwell, pleaded not not guilty to causing or allowing the death of Debbie Leitch, at Preston Crown Court.
Robert Bruce, 45, of Rothwell, pleaded not not guilty to causing or allowing the death of Debbie Leitch, at Preston Crown Court.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as severe emaciation and neglect with extensive scabies skin infection.

Appearing in the dock with Clarke was Robert Bruce, 45, of Rothwell, who pleaded not guilty to causing or allowing the death of Ms Leitch, a vulnerable adult, between January 2019 and August 2019 while he was a member of the same household.

A trial date of January 31 next year was fixed with an estimated length of up to four weeks.

A pre-trial review will take place on November 19.

The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, extended unconditional bail for Clarke, of Garden Terrace, Blackpool, and Bruce, of Windsor Crescent, Rothwell, Leeds.