York care home owner prosecuted

We have prosecuted the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, owner of Lamel Beeches care home in York, for failing to provide care and treatment that is safe.

The prosecution followed the death of resident Alfred Colley, who fractured his hip after falling out of bed.

When we inspected Lamel Beeches last November we identified concerns around the use of bedrails and the provider had not authorised work to improve bedrail safety until after Mr Colley's accident.

Mr Colley's son, Michael, said; "My father underwent unnecessary pain and distress. He deserved a better death."

The trust has been ordered to pay £163,185.15 in fines and costs.