Some of the patients were allegedly locked in cupboards, threatened and humiliated as they suffered physical and verbal abuse
Two members of staff at care home sacked after ‘locking mentally ill patients in cupboards’
- But carers will not be prosecuted after CPS claims ‘insufficient evidence’
Last updated at 8:06 PM on 15th September 2011
Carers who allegedly abused severely handicapped patients at an NHS centre will not be prosecuted, police said today.
Some of the patients were allegedly locked in cupboards, threatened and humiliated as they suffered physical and verbal abuse at the hands of carers.
One blind woman in her twenties, suffering from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, was allegedly punched in the face on two occasions for making noises and had a series of epileptic attacks.
Police probe: Two carers at the Solar Centre, pictured, in Doncaster were sacked over the abuse of mentally ill and handicapped patients
Others were allegedly threatened and humiliated as they suffered physical and verbal abuse at the hands of carers at the Solar Centre at Balby, Doncaster.
Two members of staff have been sacked and two others have left the facility, which provides day care respite for around 10 severely handicapped patients aged from 18 to 50.
An earlier police inquiry was halted after the Crown Prosecution Service ruled there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges.
Two patients have since accepted a compensation deal and three others are still in legal negotiations with the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health Trust over their claims.
South Yorkshire Police reopened a criminal investigation into the abuse at the day care centre which happened between 2005 and 2007.
Cruelty: The Solar Centre is part of St Catherine’s hospital, pictured. Police said that the alleged abusers will not face prosecutions
But today police said that those reposnisble will not face justice after the CPS ruled that there is still insufficient evidence to proceed to court for a prosecution.
An internal inquiry was carried out by the Trust but the details were never made public although relatives of the victims were given the contents.
The Trust has always refused to name the four staff alleged to have been involved or whether any disciplinary action taken against them.
Solicitor David Greenwood, representing some of the families involved said: ‘We are talking about the abuse of probably the most vulnerable people in our society.
‘These are people who are in care because they have multiple physical and mental difficulties, they are often unable to care for themselves or communicate.
‘The evidence that I have read suggest there were allegations from at least two whistle blowers that there were assaults taking place and degrading treatment, physical and verbal abuse to patients.
‘You could imagine that if a loved one of yours had this happen at a place where you were thinking they were in safe hands and properly cared for in a care centre run by the NHS you would be horrified.
‘Families have had immense difficulties in coping with what has happened.My experience is that all the families have rallied round and have attempted to help their loved ones back to some kind of normality.
‘It is understandable that the Trust stepped back when the first police investigation took place . I really can’t comment on what the police have been doing with their investigation, I don’t have much knowledge of that.
‘The Trust recognised that things were going wrong.They have not made a formal admission of liability but they recognise that things were going wrong. and that some of these things were taking place.
‘It’s welcome that the Trust has taken the bull by the horns and got on with the case. I think they have acted quire responsibly.’
South Yorkshire Police said that the case was reopened in October last year and the files were submitted to the CPS in January.
Acting DCI Natalie Shaw, leading the investigation, said: ‘Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there is still insufficient evidence to meet the requirements to progress to a prosecution.
‘The findings from the RDaSH report last year enabled us to further consider some of the cases and look into new legislation, and a decision was made to reopen the initial investigation.
‘A team of officers were solely dedicated to this investigation, to collate as much information and evidence as possible to present to the CPS, to hopefully lead to a prosecution.
‘I can understand how disappointing and frustrating the decision not to prosecute will be for the victims and family members who have been involved. South Yorkshire Police have thoroughly completed both investigations into the allegations, and we have utilised all the information, legislation and powers we have available to build a strong case.’
The Trust said in a statement: ‘A number of clients and former clients of the solar centre have brought claims against RDASH alleging that some time ago they were the subjects of acts of abuse carried out by a small number of carers who worked at the centre.
‘Events at the centre have been the subject of a detailed inquiry carried out by the Trust following which systems have been reviewed and changed.
‘Two of the claims have concluded. There are three other cases that are currently in progress.The staff involved are no longer employed by the Trust.’
