DEVON CARE HOME ABUSE: THIRTEEN CONVICTED IN SYSTEMIC 'IMPRISONMENT' SCANDAL
Residents were subjected to systemic and organized abuse at two care homes for adults with learning disabilities, Vielstone near Bideford and Gatooma near Holsworthy.
The court heard that residents were imprisoned in rooms, often overnight, without food, heating, or a toilet, as part of a cruel and unacceptable culture.
Thirteen individuals, including staff members and manager Jolyon Marshall, were convicted.
Marshall received a jail term of 28 months for conspiracy to falsely imprison residents and perverting the course of justice.
Other staff members, including Natasha Stapleton, pleaded guilty or were found guilty of false imprisonment, with sentences ranging from suspended sentences to a 12-month prison term suspended for two years.
The abuse occurred during 2010 and 2011, and the case was followed by multiple trials resulting in convictions and sentences for the offenders.
The incident was described by the prosecutor as organized and systemic abuse, where residents were effectively imprisoned against their will in punishment rooms called 'garden room' or 'quiet room.' The court emphasized that the care homes' culture was akin to imprisonment rather than care, marking a dark chapter for vulnerable residents.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
adults with learning disabilities, Vielstone near Bideford and Gatooma near Holsworthy. The court heard that residents were imprisoned in rooms, often overnight, without food, heating, or a toilet, as part of a cruel and unacceptable cul...
Prison sentence
The court heard that residents were imprisoned in rooms, often overnight, without food, heating, or a toilet, as part of a cruel and unacceptable culture
Prison sentence
28 months
Marshall received a jail term of 28 months for conspiracy to falsely imprison residents and perverting the course of justice
Suspended sentence
two years
Other staff members, including Natasha Stapleton, pleaded guilty or were found guilty of false imprisonment, with sentences ranging from suspended sentences to a 12-month prison term suspended for two years
