Assistant manager at Bournemouth care home admits tying up demented man

AN assistant manager at a care home has admitted tying a 68-year-old man with dementia to a handrail.

David James Robinson has now been sacked from council-run April Court in Kinson, Bournemouth.

The 44-year-old was also given a 120 hour community order by Bournemouth Magistrates Court.

April Court, on Poole Lane, is designed to house 18 adults with learning disabilities and was rated ‘excellent’ by the Care Quality Commission last year.

Robinson, of Huntvale Road in Moordown, committed the offence at the home on August 8 last year and was arrested in September.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced in July. He was also ordered to pay £200 costs.

A Dorset Police spokesman said the resident had severe dementia and was tied to a handrail using a dressing gown chord.

The spokesman said: “He was released a short time later by a member of staff. No other persons were arrested and there were no further offences.”

Neil Smurthwaite, the council’s service director for community care, said: “We can confirm that David Robinson was employed by Bournemouth Council as assistant manager at April Court.

“Following the incident Mr Robinson was immediately suspended from duties in August 2010 while an investigation took place. He was subsequently dismissed in April 2011.”

Cllr Lynda Price, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “I think a staff member brought this to light, which was the right thing to do, and I obviously wanted a full investigation.

“The incident was upsetting for everybody involved. The person that did this deserves everything they get.

“But I think it’s been dealt with very well and I think the important thing is that staff feel they can alert their managers if they suspect anything. There must be no intimidation.”