THE son of a seriously-ill pensioner who died in a North- East hospital has been charged with murder.

Parkinson’s Disease sufferer Ralph Stephenson was found dead in the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, last week.

The 86-year-old had been admitted to the hospital three weeks earlier and was in poor health.

NHS bosses contacted police when staff raised concerns about the death.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Stuart Hamilton, who concluded that the death should be treated as suspicious.

Yesterday, detectives charged Mr Stephenson’s son, who is also called Ralph, with murder.

The 45-year-old, from Stanley, County Durham, is due to appear before magistrates this morning.

Neighbours last night spoke of their shock and surprise at the arrest.

Joe Watson said: “We are all shocked about the news.

Ralph was a tender-hearted sort of chap. He was very distressed about the way his father was.

“His mother, Mary, was also ill. He and his partner kept themselves to themselves. We couldn’t have better neighbours.”

Mr Stephenson senior died in hospital last Thursday, June 11.

The former post office worker had been admitted the previous month from a private nursing home in Stanley, suffering a number of medical problems.

His home address was in Hazel Terrace, in The Middles, near Stanley. Detectives took statements from hospital staff at the weekend.

Mr Stephenson junior was arrested at his home in Tyne Road East, Stanley, on Monday morning.

He was detained and questioned at Durham City police station yesterday before being charged with murder shortly before 5pm. He is expected to appear before magistrates in Peterlee today.

Mr Stephenson senior’s wife was being comforted by friends and family last night.

She said: “It’s all a bit much for me, I’d rather not say anything.”

A member of the family said: “She’s elderly and it’s a lot for her to cope with.”

A neighbour said: “They have lived here for many years. They were a lovely couple.

“He was interested in his garden and had a dog that he took for a walk, but then his health failed him.

“We have not seen Ralph (senior) for a number of months. But his son still came quite often in his car to pick up his mother.”

Lily Watson, a neighbour of Mr Stephenson junior, said: “The last time I spoke to Ralph (junior) he was on his way to see his father who was ill in hospital.

“He was most upset about it, which is a normal reaction.

“They have been good neighbours for six to seven years.

“He was determined to live as normal a life as possible.

His wife looked after him but he had to go to a nursing home.”

Her husband, Joe Watson, who had known Mr Stephenson senior since they were at school, said: “Ralph senior worked as a post office clerk in Stanley for many years. His father, who was also called Ralph, was a prominent figure in the community. He was big in the workingmen’s club scene.”

The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust sought to reassure patients and residents about the security of the Durham hospital.

Bob Aitken, medical director for the trust, said: “Nursing staff at University Hospital of North Durham contacted the police because of concerns they had about the death of an elderly patient on a ward at the hospital.

“This is a very distressing incident for our patients, and for our staff. We would like to reassure the community that there is no risk to any other patient at the hospital in relation to this incident.

“Our staff are assisting police with their investigations and will continue to do so.”

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative brain disease which can affect the patient’s ability to walk, talk, swallow and write. It is thought about 120,000 people in the UK suffer from the condition.

It is not a terminal condition, but increasing physical and psychological deterioration can be distressing for relatives.

The Parkinson’s Disease Society, which supports people with the condition and their carers, believes that wherever possible, within the framework of the law, the decisions and wishes of people with Parkinson’s about their care and treatment should be supported.

The society runs a freephone helpline for people affected by the condition.

Anyone wanting help or advice can call 0808-800-0303.