After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service four people have today (Thursday, December 13th) been charged with offences under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
After a number of arrests earlier in the year, The charges are the result of a complex investigation by Lancashire Constabulary into alleged mistreatment of vulnerable adults at Hillcroft Nursing Home in Slyne-with-Hest, Lancaster.
All four are charged with being a carer involved in the ill treatment and wilful neglect of a person with lack of capacity. This is contrary to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
They are: Darren Smith, 34, of Howgill Avenue, Lancaster, who is charged with eight offences; Katie Cairns, 26, of Riverview Court, Westgate, Morecambe is charged with four offences; Carol Moore, 53, of Ripon Avenue, Beaumont, Lancaster is charged with six offences and Gemma Pearson, 27, of Hill Street, Carnforth is charged with one offence.
There are a total of 19 charges in relation to eight victims. The charges relate to a period between May 2010 and September 2011.
Those charged have been bailed to appear at Lancaster Magistrates Court on Thursday 3rd January, 2013.
Three other people arrested as part of the long running investigation have been released no further action. They are a 27 year old man from Morecambe, a 57 year old woman from Morecambe, and a 23 year old man from Lancaster.
Another person attended the police station voluntarily and has been released no further action.