Ellie grandmother 'was twice limit'

Jacqueline Simpson, 45 - who smoked up to 10 cannabis joints a day - had taken a cocktail of wine, marijuana, sleeping tablets and medication for depression, Liverpool Crown Court was told.

She was looking after five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson in the early hours of New Year's Day this year when she allowed the dog into the house in St Helens, Merseyside. The animal shook the life out of the little girl, inflicting 72 injuries.

An expert told the jury that Simpson would have had about 140 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood at the time of the fatal attack. The legal drink-drive limit is 80 milligrams.

Toxicology specialist Brian Johnson, a chartered chemist and forensic scientist, said: "The effects can be variable on the individual. Generally it is more severe the higher the blood alcohol level becomes. For a level of 140 one can talk in general terms of an average individual who drinks on a social basis - one might expect symptoms such as the beginning of slurring of speech, and balance would be affected. Co-ordination would be impaired."

He added that the various stimulants - taken together - would enhance feelings of euphoria, relaxation and intoxication.

Speaking about the defendant's sleeping tablets, Temazepam, he said: "It is my opinion the intoxication experienced from the alcohol combined with that from the cannabis would be further exacerbated by the presence of Temazepam.

"The degree of intoxication I can't comment on because of the tolerance of the individuals, and that is unknown in this particular case."

Mr Johnson, who tested Reuben, the killer pit bull terrier, said there were no traces of steroids or illicit drugs in its blood.

Simpson denies manslaughter by gross negligence. She is due to begin her evidence once the prosecution case has closed.