Trial Of Eight Care Home Workers Accused Of Shocking Neglect Begins

    The trial has begun of eight workers at a Bradford Care home from the owner down to the cleaner in a prosecution thought to be the first of its kind in Yorkshire allegedly involving the “systemic, deliberate neglect” of an elderly and vulnerable man.

    Bradford Crown Court has heard allegations that at Highdell Nursing Home 79-year-old dementia sufferer Edward Hinnells was left unwashed in soiled clothing in a room “not fit for human habitation”, full of cigarette smoke, urine and faeces, with dirty walls and floor and no bedding.

    The Jury has been told that each of the defendants had a responsibility and duty to care for Mr Hinnells.

    Stephen Pelkowski, 51, the manager of Highdell, from Addingham; Jennifer Cross, 60, a senior care assistant from Idle, Bradford; Phillippa Robinson, 57, a senior nurse and registered mental health nurse from Shipley; Nicki Kassama, 30, a carer from Shipley; Valerie James, 58, a senior carer from Eccleshill, Bradford; Desmond Crowley, 59, a staff nurse and registered mental health nurse from Daisy Hill, Bradford; Gerard McDermott, 58, a registered mental health nurse from Ilkley; and Piotr Czajkowski, 49, a cleaner from Ravenscliffe, Bradford, all deny one count of wilful neglect of a person who lacks capacity.

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