Woodward teaching dance in town

A former au pair who was convicted of killing an eight-month-old baby in America a decade ago, is teaching dance in Shropshire.

Louise Woodward, who is now 30, has launched a series of dance classes in Bridgnorth.

Miss Woodward was just 19 when she was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of Matthew Eapen, in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1997.

The weekly dance classes are being held at the Castle Hall, in West Castle Street, under the name Shropshire Dance. She teaches salsa, Latin, ballroom and jive. Miss Woodward was approached by the Shropshire Star, but declined to comment.

The company's website says the classes are for absolute beginners with a 16-week ballroom and Latin course taking place on Sunday evenings and an eight-week salsa course being held on Monday evenings.

Miss Woodward has opened the classes in Bridgnorth after moving to the area to be with her boyfriend, Anthony Elkes, whom she met in a Chester nightclub.

Miss Woodward's trial following the death of baby Matthew was held under the glare of intense international media interest.

Miss Woodward was originally found guilty of second-degree murder, but the conviction was reduced to one of involuntary manslaughter following an appeal.

She returned to the UK to pursue a career as a lawyer before quitting law and becoming a dance teacher.