Charge dropped in home care case

Charges against the four were dropped on Wednesday

A prosecution against four care home workers charged with neglecting elderly residents has been stopped on the orders of a judge.

William Davies of Chippenham, Wilts, Pearl Jackson, of Wakefield, W Yorks, Heather Bolton and Derek Youds, both from Gloucester, all faced charges.

The four were charged over alleged offences at Newsham House, Gloucester.

After two days of legal argument at Bristol Crown Court, the judge ordered the case to be dropped.

Parent company

On Wednesday, Judge David Ticehurst ruled the matters should be "stayed as an abuse of process" following the arguments.

The four accused said after the hearing they were relieved at the judge's decision.

Mr Youds, 64, and Ms Bolton, 56, who were employees at the home, faced 10 and eight charges respectively.

Managing Director Ms Jackson, 49, and operations director Mr Davies, 60, who are still working with the home's parent company, ADL plc, had faced eight charges each.

Mr Davies said a full statement on the case would be issued by ADL after the ruling was published,.

He said: "It has been a nightmare of three and a half years and I am very grateful for the decision today."