Elderly ‘abused’ at Alexandra Court Nursing Home in Wigan

ELDERLY patients suffered a catalogue of horrific abuse at a Wigan care home, a court heard. The mentally ill residents at Alexandra Court Nursing Home in Pemberton were allegedly injured by 25-year-old care worker Sam Rigby, who the court was told had issues with his temper.

Liverpool Crown Court heard harrowing details of the victims’ injuries and cruel treatment.

The jury was also told that management at the care home had allegedly been warned of the abuse but no action had been taken.

The case only came to light when a senior agency mental health nurse who was in charge for a shift noticed that residents were covered in bruises.

She was so alarmed she immediately notified the police.

The court was told that the offences allegedly took place between April 1 last year and July 5 last year.

When arrested and questioned Rigby denied ill treatment.

He said his actions had been misunderstood, or other members of staff were making up allegations against him.

Rigby, of Dovedale Crescent, Ashton, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of ill treating or neglecting four men and three women.

The case is expected to last two weeks.