Former PC admits improper use of police powers...

A former police constable has admitted improper use of police powers over contact he made with a vulnerable witness he met as part of his duties.

Howard Bradley, of Doveridge, Derbyshire, pleaded guilty to corrupt or improper exercise of police powers and privileges by a constable at Stoke-on-Trent Court on Tuesday.

Bradley, who worked at Burton Police Station, was arrested in March 2024 and immediately suspended, said Staffordshire Police.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court on 5 November.

Deputy Chief Constable Caroline Marsh said: "Howard Bradley abused the powers and privileges entrusted to him as a police officer and exploited a vulnerable person he encountered through his duties.

"His actions were wholly unacceptable and fell far below the standards of integrity and professionalism that the public rightly expect from us."

She said "as soon as concerns were raised" the force's anti-corruption unit started an investigation and Bradley was suspended...

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyzdx2xre6o

Care home manager fined after 'exposing resident to significant risk of avoidable harm'

A care home manager has been fined after failing to provide safe care and treatment to a resident.

Suzanne Kirkbride, registered manager of Hall Lane Resource Centre, in Wythenshawe, pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to Regulation 12 (2) and 22 (2) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 relating to a failure to provide safe care and treatment to Laura Margaret Donnelly which exposed her to a significant risk of avoidable harm.

Today, Thursday, August 27, Kirkbride was ordered to pay £2,333, including a £1,666 fine and £667 court costs.

It comes after concerns were raised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) surrounding Ms Donnelly's condition and welfare including diabetes, fluid and hydration and medicine management, a spokesperson said. No further details have been shared.

 Rosalind Sanderson, the CQC’s Deputy Director of Enforcement, said: “This is a distressing case, and our sympathies are with Laura’s family and those affected by her death. Suzanne Kirkbride failed in her duty to protect her by placing her in an unsafe service where staff weren’t trained to understand her condition and manage her complex needs.

“This fine is not representative of the value of Laura’s life, but this, and the prosecution should be a reminder to all care providers that they must always ensure people’s safety and manage risks to their wellbeing.

“The majority of adult social care services provide safe and effective care for people using their service. However, where we find someone has been put at risk of harm, we will use our regulatory enforcement powers to protect people.”

A spokesperson for the Care Quality Commission said it does not keep the court-issued fines, with the money going directly to HM Treasury instead. 

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/care-home-manager-fined-after-34528570