Three former care home workers have been jailed for assaulting elderly residents causing “anguish and pain”.
Detectives launched an enquiry into possible neglect and abuse at the Old Deanery Care Home in Bocking after undercover filming by the BBC Panorama programme.
Lorna Clark, Adeshola Adediwura and Anita Ray were each sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court today to four months in jail.
Gillian Lee, daughter of one of the victims, Joan Madison, said: “Thank God this case is finally over and we get some closure today.
“However, there is not sufficient punishment for these crimes.
“The anguish and pain inflicted on my mum, our family and all those other dear people is incalculable.
“There are other victims who also haven’t got a voice. There must be change.
“To anyone working in the system or in the industry, the clue is in the title ‘care’. If you can’t or don’t – get out.
“I personally cannot thank enough the Panorama team and the police for what they have done to stop these people from ever working in care again.”
Ray, 45, of Victoria Street, Adediwura, 33, of Clockhouse Way, both Braintree, and Clark, 46, of Nowell Close, Bocking, admitted one assault charge at a hearing last month.
A fourth staff member originally arrested was not charged.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings, who led the investigation, said: “I am pleased the residents and their families have now had some recompense for the sickening actions of these three women.
“They assaulted people who were vulnerable. Their families placed their elderly relatives in care thinking they would be well looked after and these three clearly breached their trust and acted despicably.
“The offenders have lost their jobs at the care home and now they are convicted they will never work in this field again.
“I hope this sentence gives them some time to reflect on their actions.”
The Panorama documentary aired on April 30 2014.
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