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An 83-year-old man was arrested, held for seven hours, and banned from visiting his wife of 60 years after he gave her painkiller patches during a visit to her care home.

Walter Crompton, who has been caring for his wife for the past two years, says the police acted with "the least of thought, respect or consideration for people's freedom".

His bail conditions have now been varied, so he can visit his wife, Eileen, but only under the supervision of a social worker.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson, of the Public Protection Division, said: "This is a potentially serious offence in which a vulnerable elderly woman with significant health issues could have come to serious harm and, as such, the police will always conduct a thorough investigation.

"As part of any inquiry like this our priority is always to protect vulnerable people and this may involve certain bail conditions being imposed."