'No evidence' to support prosecution over Barnsley care home staff arrested for 'inappropriate photos' of residents

Seven carers arrested over inappropriate photographs taken of residents at a South Yorkshire care home have been released without charge, but remain suspended from their jobs.
By Susie Beever
Published 24th Jul 2020, 16:05 BST
Updated 24th Jul 2020, 16:08 BST
Seven carers remain suspended from their jobs after taking "inappropriate and unprofessional" photographs of residents at a Barnsley care homeSeven carers remain suspended from their jobs after taking "inappropriate and unprofessional" photographs of residents at a Barnsley care home
Seven carers remain suspended from their jobs after taking "inappropriate and unprofessional" photographs of residents at a Barnsley care home

The staff were arrested after pictures emerged of residents at the Barnsley care home, the name of which has not been disclosed to avoid identifying vulnerable people, which police said were "inappropriate and unprofessional".

South Yorkshire Police said today (Friday) that while the pictures did indeed show a lack of professional integrity, there was no evidence to show criminality.

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The carers involved currently remain suspended and under investigation by the council and Care Quality Commission (CQC).

South Yorkshire Police said there was no evidence to prosecute the carers arrestedSouth Yorkshire Police said there was no evidence to prosecute the carers arrested
South Yorkshire Police said there was no evidence to prosecute the carers arrested

A force spokeswoman said: "Although the photos are both inappropriate and unprofessional, extensive enquiries conducted by our officers found that there is not sufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution.

"All families involved have continually been kept updated and have now been informed of the outcome.

"As the criminal investigation will now be closed, no further police action will be taken against the seven carers arrested.

"However, the carers remain suspended from work, and the matter will continue to be investigated by the care provider, Barnsley Council and the Independent Care Home Inspectors CQC."