Tunbridge Wells woman arrested over care home death is stood down from bail

A 45-year-old woman from Tunbridge Wells who was arrested in connection with the death of a Sussex care home resident has been stood down from bail, the BBC reports.

The woman was detained, alongside a 28-year-old man from HMP Dartmoor, after Jean Halfpenny, 89, died in May 2010 at Orchid View care home in Copthorne.

The pair were arrested in September and October on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence.

But Sussex Police said on Friday they were released from bail because of "insufficient evidence to justify prosecution".

Southern Cross, which operated Orchid View, closed the home in 2011. It has since reopened under a new name and new management.

Det Ch Insp Jeff Riley said: "Following a thorough investigation into allegations made to police regarding alleged neglect at the care home the final two people arrested in connection with these allegations have been stood down from bail.

"This decision is the result of consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service that insufficient evidence is available to support a prosecution.

"The police aspect of the investigation will now be closed and the matter referred to HM Coroner for West Sussex."