Murder suspect 'has only months to live'

The revelation came as police confirmed that a third person, a 35-year-old man, was arrested today in connection with the inquiry.

Robert Peter Atkinson, 36, who is jointly charged with Bernadette Meadowcroft, was taken to Blackburn magistrates' court yesterday from Burnley General Hospital, where he had spent the previous two days being treated for leukaemia.

Atkinson, who until two weeks ago lived in Chester Close, Blackburn, has moved to Manchester so that he can be nearer to the Christie Hospital, where he is receiving out-patient treatment, the court was told.

The case was sent directly to Preston Crown Court and Atkinson was remanded in custody until the hearing.

Applying for bail, defence solicitor Peter Turner said Atkinson may only have six months to live and that since being diagnosed as having leukaemia three years ago, he had also contracted hepatitis C as a result of blood transfusions. Mr Turner said that father of two Atkinson was unlikely to be around for the trial "not because he has left the area but because he has left this earth."

"In his case a life sentence might be as little as six months. The only reason he would not answer bail if it were granted would be because he was dead."

Atkinson, and mother of two Meadowcroft, are charged with battering Mr Jackson to death at his home in Sussex Drive in the Audley area of Blackburn in November 1990. Meadowcroft, of Haworth Avenue, Church, is the dead man's niece. She was also committed to Crown Court and remanded in custody earlier this week.

Mr Jackson's battered body was found in the bathroom of his sheltered housing bungalow. The property had been ransacked and jewellery and cash stolen.

The second man was arrested in Mill Hill, Blackburn, and was due to be questioned by detectives today.

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