A CANCER sufferer allegedly murdered by his doctor hid the severity of his illness from relatives, a jury heard today.

Social service records covering the two months before Frank Moss's death stated: "Clearly Alison (his daughter) doesn't know her father's prognosis. He has less than three months survival. Frank is aware of his prognosis."

Dr Howard Martin is accused of killing Mr Moss, 59, of Eldon, near Bishop Auckland, Stanley Weldon, 74, of Counson Grange, and Harry Gittins, 74, of Newton Aycliffe, with lethal doses of morphine between March 2003 and January 2004.

He denies the charges. The trail, at Teesside Crown Court, continues.