Woman sues over death of daughter

The wife of a mentally ill man who killed his daughter was granted
permission to sue a council last week by a High Court judge.

Andrew Philip Hall, who has been diagnosed with paranoid
schizophrenia, stabbed 12-year-old Emma to death at their home in
Monmouthshire. He was found not guilty of her murder in December
2000 on the grounds of insanity.

Although Mr Justice Jack threw out a claim against Gwent NHS Trust,
he granted Karen Hall permission to continue with her action
against Monmouthshire Council.

She argues that the council failed to take enough action to protect
children living in the same house as her husband. A spokesperson
for the council said it was not appropriate to comment at this
stage.