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Caerphilly MP calls for public inquiry into care home abuse

News | Richard Gurner | Published: 13:15, Thursday March 7th, 2013.
Last updated: 09:59, Thursday December 5th, 2013

Caerphilly MP Wayne David has called for a public inquiry into care home standards in Wales.

Mr David made his comments following a decision not to prosecute Dr Prana Das, the owner of care homes where the alleged abuse took place.

Dr Das was to face charges after an £11.6 million investigation into care home abuse but will not stand trial after suffering brain damage in a violent burglary.

The £11.6m Operation Jasmine was funded by the Home Office and began in 2005 after serious concerns were expressed about the treatment of a number of residents in South Wales care homes.

Two of the care homes were Bryngwyn Mountleigh nursing home in Newbridge and Holly House care home in Fleur-De-Lys.

Following the decision by a Cardiff Crown Court judge for Dr Das not to stand trial, Mr David is calling for a Public Inquiry into care standards of nursing homes for the elderly in Wales.

This was discussed when Mr David was a Wales Office Minister but was not pursued at that time because it could have interfered with the legal processes that were underway.

However, as Operation Jasmine is drawing to a close, Mr David believes that it is imperative that lessons are learnt from what the police inquiry has uncovered.

He said: “Operation Jasmine was a major police inquiry. Enormous resources were committed to it and the examples of elder abuse in care homes which were examined were truly awful. It is therefore essential that lessons are learnt and that standards and procedures are improved in the light of this inquiry.”

On Friday Mr David will be meeting with Gwent Police to discuss Operation Jasmine and the decision not to place Dr Das on trial. Mr David believes that Dr Das’ co-accused, Paul Black of Gloucester, should nevertheless stand trial as there are a number of serious charges against him as well as against Dr Das.

Mr David said: “Unfortunately it seems that Dr Das is not fit enough to stand trial. It does not follow however that Mr Black should not go on trial. If he is fit enough and there are significant charges against him, then he should face those charges. The relatives of those who were ‘allegedly’ abused deserve this.”

The charges against Dr Das will lie on file, although proceedings could restart if his condition improves.

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