Three members of staff from the former Winterbourne View residential hospital in Bristol have pleaded guilty to the ill treatment of residents. Wayne Rogers pleaded guilty to 9 charges, Allison Dove pleaded guilty to 7 and Holly Draper pleaded guilty to 2 charges at Bristol Crown Court. All three were released on bail awaiting sentencing on March 16. In addition, 8 other people charged with offences relating to Winterbourne View appeared at court and their cases will be dealt with in March.
The case was brought to light by a BBC Panorama documentary in May 2011 on Winterbourne View, which included secret filming of residents being allegedly abused. The home, which was operated by Castlebeck, was closed the following month with all 24 residents moving to alternative accommodation. This news came a day after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) released more of its inspection reports into learning disability residential facilities, and criticised them for their lack of patient-centred care. In response, leading learning disability charities called for more person-centred care.
