Cruel Staffordshire care home staff caught in act after victim's daughter plants hidden camera

Two abusive former staff members at a Staffordshire care home have been jailed after a woman captured 'harrowing footage' by planting a hidden camera in her mum's room. The family of the 79-year-old victim had noticed extensive bruising on her arms so her daughter put a camera disguised as a digital clock in her room.

Staffordshire Police said that after watching the footage recorded in September last year, the daughter told care home bosses who then completed a safeguarding referral. After a discussion with a detective from the force's multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) was requested by social care practitioners, a police investigation was launched.

The two suspects were suspended from work and charged with wilful neglect on April 5 this year. In July, the women appeared at Cannock Magistrates’ Court, where one admitted the offence. The other, who denied any wrongdoing, was found guilty after trial.

READ MORE: Mud-spraying yobs on off-road bikes smash car windows and hurl bricks

READ MORE: Mum 'bragged she was best' at smuggling drugs into Dovegate Prison

They were sentenced to three months in prison and 10 weeks in prison respectively earlier this month. Police are highlighting the case as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of the signs of abuse.

The national campaign highlights the devastating impact this type of crime can have on victims and their families, and encourages organisations and individuals to feel more confident about reporting safeguarding concerns. Detective inspector Carla Thompson, from the force's adult safeguarding team, said: “Where abuse is happening we will do our upmost to stop it whilst keeping victims at the front and centre of any investigation.

"Sometimes the person causing harm is a family member, or someone who is paid to care. Often the perpetrator is seen as a friend. Incidents of abuse can take place in many locations, including a victim’s home, or as seen here, a care home. Our team is passionate about listening to the voice of the adult; in this case the victim couldn’t speak up for herself but her family had a bad feeling that something wasn’t right and acted.

"We have two dedicated MASH sergeants for adults. While they sit with Staffordshire County Council’s Adult Social Care team, they also work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Adult Social Care services. People and organisations working together can make a huge difference in preventing abuse and neglect of adults at risk."

If you are worried that you or someone you know is a victim of abuse or neglect please speak up. You can contact police directly by calling 101, or via Live Chat on the website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREE