A 99-year-old dementia sufferer was dropped into a scalding hot bath by a care worker who had been in a “bad mood”, a jury has been told.
Margaret Wheatley suffered extensive injuries to her legs and feet when she was allegedly dropped into the hot water – which was between 46 and 50 degrees Celsius – for up to five minutes in May last year, Preston Crown Court heard.
Mrs Wheatley is said to be one of eight elderly residents who were subjected to ill-treatment and wilful neglect at the former Briarwood Rest Home in Lostock Hall, Preston.
Care assistant Niphawan Berry, 42, who is accused of inflicting the 99-year-old’s injuries, was “in something of a bad mood” on the day of her shift, jurors were told.
The owner of the home, Indrannee Pumbien, 59, who was described as a “bully” by residents and staff, is said to have attempted to evade scrutiny by the authorities by suggesting Mrs Wheatley’s injuries were caused by an infection.
Francis McEntee, prosecuting, claimed Mrs Pumbien and her husband Meghadeven were overheard in discussion suggesting Mrs Wheatley’s blisters should be burst to make it appear like cellulitis.
When it was suggested that it appeared that a bucket of hot water had been thrown at Mrs Wheatley, Indrannee Pumbien suggested that the injuries looked like cellulitis.
That was an explanation that was adopted, the prosecution say, in order to divert attention from conditions and practices at the rest home.
FRANCIS MCENTEE
While treating Mrs Wheatley on other occasion, Mrs Pumbien was also allegedly heard to shout: “You are an animal, you just want to be treated like an animal.”
She is also said to have force-fed the 99-year-old, along with other residents who either had dementia or were mentally incapacitated.
Mr and Mrs Pumbien, of Grosvenor Place, Preston, are accused of two counts of neglect and one count of ill-treatment.
Mrs Pumbien also faces 12 additional charges of ill-treatment , while the couple are accused of intending to pervert the course of public justice by asking employees to provide false stories to the police.
Ms Berry, of Christ Church Street, Preston, is charged with one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm and two counts of ill-treatment.
All three deny the offences said to have been committed between April 2013 and June 2014.
The trial continues.
Source ITV News
