Care bosses face neglect charges

Briars Retirement Home was closed during the police investigation

The owner and manager of a Hampshire care home, which closed during an investigation into six patient deaths, have been charged with neglect.

Residents of the Briars Retirement Home in Southampton were re-homed following a police raid in September.

On Thursday, owner Annette Hopkins, 63, from Thorold Road, Bitterne, and Margaret Priest, 54, of Lydgate Green, Hightown, were charged.

They are due before magistrates on 16 charges of neglect and ill-treatment.

Police commenced an investigation into the private retirement home in Thorold Road following concerns raised by medical professionals.

They then raided the home on 17 September last year.

In a statement, Hampshire Constabulary said their investigation found "no evidence... indicating that anyone died as a direct result of neglect or ill treatment from the care provided by the home".

During the investigation 26 elderly residents were moved out.

Ms Hopkins and Ms Priest will appear before Southampton Magistrates' Court on 20 January.