Revealed: Secret drink problems of jetset nanny cleared over baby's death

A nanny cleared yesterday of fatally injuring the child of two police officers has a secret history of drink problems, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Linda Wise, 47, who has worked for some of the world's wealthiest families, walked free after a judge said there was insufficient evidence to prove that 11-month-old Isaac Rowlinson died because she had violently shaken him.

But despite being cleared of manslaughter, Miss Wise's career was in tatters last night after a string of allegations from high profile couples emerged. Her clients
included shipping magnates, royalty, socialites, surgeons, racing drivers and philanthropists  -  many of whom gave statements to police.

During the trial officers tried to use some of these as part of 'bad character' evidence but this was rejected by the judge at Liverpool Crown Court and the jury was never told.

The Mail can reveal that Miss Wise once worked for Tamara Mellon, founder of the Jimmy Choo shoe label, but left after an incident with her in charge of her baby daughter. She has also been accused of having a volatile nature.

In addition, she never officially trained as a nanny, and made a false claim on her CV about having a degree.

But it was at the Preston home of detectives Paul and Lisa Rowlinson that the incident which would see Miss Wise face trial took place.

They couple had cashed in their savings to hire Miss Wise to care for their poorly son Isaac. But while they were on an overnight trip to the Lake District in September 2006 the 13-week- old sustained head injuries which would lead to his death ten months later.

Miss Wise was charged with manslaughter, accused of violently shaking Isaac, who had a genetic condition known as DiGeorge's syndrome which led to feeding problems.

She denied this, claiming Isaac had a fit without warning as she tried to feed him.

Miss Wise's nannying career began in her mid-20s, when she went to work for shipping magnate Philippe Niarchos and his wife, Victoria Guinness, who is related to the Irish brewing family.

Tragic: Isaac Rowlinson

She travelled the world with the family, jetting between New York, Switzerland and Monte Carlo. While working for the family, Miss Wise, then 32, miscarried twins. The event, she told her trial, left her distraught.

Over the next 20 years, Miss Wise  -  who charged £300 a day or more  -  cared for hundreds of babies of the wealthy.

One alleged incident occurred in 2002 while she was working for Mrs Mellon, 39, and her now ex-husband, Matthew.

Miss Wise was recommended by a friend, Santa Montefiore, the author and sister of 'It' girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.

Although Mrs Montefiore and her historian husband, Simon, were satisfied with the way Miss Wise had cared for their youngest daughter they warned the Mellons not to allow her to drink or keep wine in the house.

Mrs Mellon  -  who is worth £100million  -  hired Miss Wise to care for baby Araminta.

But one evening the couple returned to their holiday villa to find Miss Wise on the bathroom floor, with blood coming from her forehead. She didn't work for the family again.

Police spoke to other clients, including John Bute, the 7th Marquess of Bute.

According to sources the peer ceased leaving his daughter alone with the nanny after returning one night to find her 'under the influence of drink'.

Philanthropist Sir Peter Lampl, 61, and Princess Jessica Doimi de Frankopan  -  a member of the Sainsbury's supermarket dynasty  -  also employed Miss Wise. Another client told police she sacked the nanny because of her volatile nature and because of her alcohol problem.

Following her acquittal, Miss Wise, who lives in Anglesey, said: 'I have never harmed a child in my care and would never do so.

'I have nothing but sympathy for Paul and Lisa  -  they have lost their beloved child and nothing will bring him back.

'I have been totally vindicated by the outcome of today but the prosecution has effectively put an end to my career.'