Neglect charges brought against healthcare staff

The prosecution comes after a long-running series of investigations by South Yorkshire Police into allegations of abuse at the Solar Centre, which lies within the grounds of St Catherine’s Hospital in Balby, Doncaster.

Two previous attempts to bring charges against the four members of staff - two men and two women - have failed.

However, they will now appear before magistrates in Doncaster within the coming weeks.

It is expected that the case will then be committed to the crown court.

Richard Hebbert, lawyer in the complex casework unit for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Yorkshire and Humberside, said yesterday: “I have today authorised South Yorkshire Police to commence proceedings for a prosecution against four people relating to the ill-treatment and wilful neglect of patients receiving treatment for mental health disorders at the Solar Centre at St Catherine’s Hospital, Doncaster.

“They are James Hinds with 14 charges; Susan Murphy with 13 charges; Julie Burge with three charges, and Michael Barnard with eight charges.

“All four were working at the Solar Centre at time the offences are alleged to have occurred.

“The charges relate to 18 patients, both men and women, and occurred between January 2005 and March 2007.

“A full review of all of the evidence in this case has been conducted and I am satisfied that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute.”

James Hinds and Susan Murphy will appear before Doncaster magistrates on Friday, August 31, while Julie Burge and Michael Barnard will appear on Friday, September 14.

These charges come after the case was dropped twice within four years due to a lack of evidence.

The first police investigation, in 2007, concluded after the CPS decided that there was not enough evidence to bring charges.

Then a second investigation, launched in October 2010 following an enquiry by the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, was dropped in September last year.

Acting Det Chief Insp Natalie Shaw, who was leading that second investigation for South Yorkshire Police, said when the case was dropped 11 months ago: “South Yorkshire Police have thoroughly completed both investigations into the allegations and we have utilised all the information, legislation and powers we have available to build a strong case.

“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there is still insufficient evidence to meet the requirements to progress to a prosecution.”

Alleged incidents at the Solar Centre include threatening and humiliating patients with learning difficulties; witholding food and drink and locking the patients in cupboards.

Another patient is alleged to have been thrown onto a trampoline by staff, causing him to bang his head on the floor.

There are other claims that staff at the Solar Centre drove patients to well-known sex spots in the Doncaster area for their amusement.