AN investigation into the care received by a former psychiatric patient who helped batter a man to death, has concluded that no one could have forseen the offence.

Malcolm Edwards, 29, was sentenced to life imprisonment in April last year for his part in the murder of Abdul Ghafoor, in his home in Teak Road, Middlesbrough.

Edwards, of Borough Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to the murder on June 27, 2000, in which Mr Ghafoor was attacked with a hammer, kicked and punched. Two other men took part in the attack.

The attack followed an alleged slur on one of the men's girlfriend.

At his sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Henriques told Edwards: "Fuelled by amphetamines, you delivered at least four blows with the hammer and let him die choking on his own blood. Then you bragged to friends that it was 'brilliant'."

As Edwards had been treated for an anti-social personality disorder by Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust, an independent panel was called in to see if there were any deficiencies in the care provided.

While Edwards asked on four occasions to be admitted to hospital, the psychiatrist involved did not believe he would stay in hospital on an informal basis and judged that he did not meet criteria for compulsory admission.

After an investigation, which took evidence from 18 people, the panel found that the care provided to Edwards was "appropriate and comprehensive".

The report has been welcomed by Tees Health Authority, Tees and North-East Yorkshire NHS Trust, Middlesbrough social services, National Probation Service (TEEs) and HM Prison Service.

A joint statement said: "We are pleased to note the independent inquiry's overall conclusions, highlighting the appropriate and comprehensive services provided.

"The agencies would like to extend their sympathy to all those who have suffered, especially the families of Abdul Ghafoor and Malcolm Edwards."