Care group fined £1/4m in Jesse Moores case

By Cathy Reay

Robina Care Group Ltd has been fined £250,000 for breaching health and safety laws when a resident choked in their care in November 2005.

The care home group, based in Enfield North London, was found guilty of three charges under Health and Safety Legislation at a hearing in February following the death of Jesse Moores at one of their homes. The home’s manager Patience Etchu-Abangma, who was found guilty earlier this year, was also fined £1,200.

Enfield Council brought the charges to court after the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges of manslaughter.

The court heard in February how 26 year old Jesse Moores, who was autistic, had Tourette’s Syndrome and a history of choking, was left for 15 minutes while he choked until Etchu-Abangma allowed staff on duty to call for an ambulance.

Ray James, Director of Health and Adult Social Care at Enfield Council, said: “Following Jesse’s death, our role was to lead the investigation and we were committed to taking firm action. This action has now been vindicated by the guilty plea, verdicts and sentences today.”

Bob Moores, Jesse’s father, said after the verdict that he was deeply appreciative of Enfield Council’s commitment to ensuring those responsible answer for their failure.