Chiropractor arrested for manslaughter of 80-year-old with backache
A CHIROPRACTOR has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a retired bank manager died following treatment for backache.
John Lawler, 80, was undergoing routine treatment at a private clinic when he lost consciousness and appeared to have become paralysed from the shoulders down.
He was taken straight to hospital but died the next day as a result of a ‘traumatic spinal cord injury.’
His wife of 55 years, Joan Lawler, 81, was in the chiropractor’s clinic with her husband and witnessed the incident.
Police are investigating to establish whether or not criminal negligence was a factor in his death.
Dr Arleen Scholten, 40, the chiropractor who treated Mr Lawler, was arrested by police on suspicion of manslaughter and released pending further inquiries.
Mr Lawler, a former Barclays Bank manager, was an active and healthy grandfather who lived in York.
It is understood he was taken ill on his third visit in a week to Chiropractic 1st – a clinic within walking distance of the family home.
He was seen by Dr Scholten, a chiropractor and director of the company, on Friday, August 11 and was undergoing treatment on his back when the unexpected and fatal problem occurred.
Mr Lawler was taken to York District Hospital by ambu- lance before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary when the seriousness of his condition became clear.
He died the following day. His family said his death certificate gave the cause of death as respiratory depression caused by traumatic spinal cord injury.
A statement from his wife said it had been a ‘routine visit’ for ‘treatment for some lower backache’.
She said: ‘He was a much loved husband, father and an
‘Traumatic spinal injury’
incredible grandfather. We had been married for 55 years, and had three children, and five grandchildren.
‘John worked for Barclays for 44 years. He was a keen golfer, walker, and all-round sports fan. His family and friends were devastated by his sudden death, and we look forward to the precise cause of his death being resolved as quickly as possible.’
North Yorkshire Police officers decided to launch a criminal investigation themselves, and the inquiry was not as a result of a complaint by Mr Lawler’s family.
A force spokesman said: ‘Police were alerted to the sudden death of an 80-yearold man at a chiropractic clinic in York.
‘An investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of death. A 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. She has been released under investigation while inquiries continue.’
The investigating committee of the General Chiropractic Council met on September 28 to decide whether or not to issue an interim suspension order against Dr Scholten. It decided to allow her to continue to practise.
Speaking from her home in Tollerton, near York, Dr Scholten said yesterday: ‘I’ve been told not to comment at this time.’
The married mother- ofthree is a keen marathon runner and also competes in triathlons.
Writing about her life and personal philosophy on her company website, she comments: ‘Chiropractic is a lifestyle for our family. This includes good nutrition, regular exercise, plenty of time outdoors, little screen time and regular chiropractic care.
‘ Yes, all five of us are adjusted regularly. Our children were all adjusted the day they were born, two were homebirths and I continue to check their spines regularly. There is a saying in chiropractic, “If the twig is bent so grows the tree”.
‘I will forever be dedicated to sharing the health benefits of chiropractic. I am passionate about the science of human wellness and feel morally obligated to educate my patients on ways to increase health and well-being through eating, thinking and moving, in ways congruent with our bodies.’
An inquest into Mr Lawler’s death has been opened and adjourned to a later date.