Dr Shipman was accused of "browbeating" and "bludgeoning" relatives of his alleged victims to persuade them against demanding post-mortems.

BBC: GP denies 'means and opportunity' to kill

Dr Shipman said he had mentioned the possibility of a post mortem and said Mrs Mellor's relatives may not have heard because they were "completely stressed and in a state of shock".

BBC: GP denies 'means and opportunity' to kill

When Dr Shipman was convicted of drugs offences in the 1970s, he was not struck off - although GMC leaders have indicated that a similar case might well have had a different outcome today.

BBC: Dealing with criminal doctors