Care worker teased and tormented elderly patients

A man has admitted mistreating three vulnerable elderly people in his care, causing one to call him a "beast" and cry out for her dead mother.

Lewis Moore, 21, had worked at the Lambspark care home in Plympton looking after "particularly vulnerable adults" including some with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Plymouth Crown Court heard how Moore made "very upsetting and derogatory remarks" about an incontinent 78-year-old woman, teased and tormented an elderly male and had thrown a woman with Parkinson's disease down on her bed.

Moore initially faced five charges under the Mental Capacity Act of 2005, in relation to three women and two men who lacked mental capacity.

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Following a Goodyear indication by Judge Paul Darlow, Moore, of Millwood Drive, Leigham, Plymouth, pleaded guilty to three of the offences of ill-treating or willfully neglecting a person in his care who he "reasonably believed to lack mental capacity".

The offences took place between November 2011 and January 2012.

The pleas were accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service who said the remaining charges would not be pursued.

Prosecutor Jo Martin told the court Moore had been employed at the firm since March 2011 and other members of staff had become "concerned" at his methods.

The first charge related to a 78-year-old man who had a "habit of wanting cigarettes and an egg sandwich before he went to bed".

She said Moore was heard "teasing and tormenting" the man, refusing him his bed time sandwich "which clearly distressed him".

The second charge related to a 78-year-old woman suffering from dementia, who was also doubly incontinent.

Ms Martin explained how Moore would "make very upsetting and derogatory remarks" about her condition. He would also "swear at her and make matters worse for her".

The third charge related to an elderly woman who has since died. The victim was "clearly suffering advanced dementia" from Parkinson's disease. She had not wanted to leave the lounge area but Moore had picked her up and carried her up two flights of stairs.

Ms Martin explained that as he carried her against her will "she called him a beast and called for her mother".

Judge Darlow released Moore on bail pending a probation report. He will return to court on February 8 for sentencing.

Following the hearing, Gareth Wraighte, owner and manager of the Lambspark care home said: "We have worked closely in partnership with the police and the local authority to ensure that this young man's actions were fully investigated and that his wrongdoings were brought to justice."