A WOMAN will face no criminal charges after an 80-year-old man died hours after receiving treatment at a York chiropractor clinic.

John Lawler lost consciousness during treatment at Chiropractic 1st in The Mount, York, at a routine visit over lower backache on Friday, August 11, last year.

He was taken to York Hospital from the clinic, then transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, but despite the efforts of doctors, he died on August 12.

A 40-year-old woman was arrested by North Yorkshire Police on suspicion of manslaughter following Mr Lawler’s death.

On Tuesday, police confirmed they had completed an investigation into manslaughter by gross negligence in relation to the death of Mr Lawler, a former manager of Barclay’s in Parliament Street.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said the investigation, which lasted almost a year, had concluded and no charges would be brought.

She said: “We can now confirm that no further action will be taken against the 41-year-old woman - 40 at the time of arrest - who was arrested in connection with his death. She has been released without charge.

“As part of the investigation, detectives have consulted expert witnesses including an independent chiropractor. A further review of the investigation and evidence was also conducted by the head of safeguarding at North Yorkshire Police. A report and will now be submitted to HM Coroner to inform a future inquest on a date to be fixed. Our thoughts remain with Mr Lawler’s family.”

Police would not name the person arrested.

Dr Arleen Scholten from Chiropractic 1st told The Press she had been advised not to comment while investigations continue.

A representative for Dr Scholten told The Press on Thursday there would be no comment at this time.

Mr Lawler’s family said they did not wish to comment on the conclusion of the police investigation.

But Joan Lawler, Mr Lawler’s wife of more than 50 years, previously told The Press he was “a much-loved husband, father and an incredible grandfather”, who was “a keen golfer, walker, and all-round sports fan”.

She said at the time that “family and friends were devastated by his sudden death”. The couple had three children and five grandchildren.