PHOENIX - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced 36-year-old Ernesto Gomez-Enciso, of Phoenix, was sentenced to 12 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.. When the victim accused him of not caring, he replied: "I don't get paid to care.". Detectives investigating allegations of abuse at a private care home for adults have submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. A South Wales Police spokesman said the force had submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service as part of an investigation into the care provided at Gower Lodge. Both a direct complaint and indictment define the alleged crimes and cite the date of offense and which laws were violated. Another method for initiating charges against a defendant is a grand jury indictment. "We sincerely apologise to Robin's family for the mistakes that we made.". Conditions of release are established. The judge can dismiss the case for insufficient evidence or order a trial. Swansea Crown Court heard Gower Lodge, which was run by a company called TracsCare which has now re-branded itself Accomplish, was a residential home for adults with a range of learning difficulties, complex behavioural issues and mental health conditions who needed one-to-one care. It's an emotional day in Paternity Court when a 24-year-old Missouri man confronts his alleged father for abandoning him after his mother died in a car accident. BBC Wales understands a multi-agency safeguarding investigation was launched after a former employee raised concerns about residents at Gower Lodge. He also used a racial slur towards a male resident, and made barking noises outside his room. "I am suggesting perhaps there was a lot of banter between staff. The court may impose conditions of probation that could include jail time, community service and counseling. David Wedlake, 35, of Cecil Road, Manselton, Swansea, denies one charge of ill treating or wilfully neglecting a person at Gower Lodge in December 2016 The case was adjourned to 30 September. To get the latest news from WalesOnline sent straight to your email inbox click here . . Stephens, of Rhosyderi, Tumble, Llanelli, denies a total of four charges in relation to three separate residents. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. ", The court heard how Stephens allegedly dragged a female resident onto the floor, knelt on her and banged her head on the floor "a number of times.". The Arizona Judicial Branch is pleased to offer Public Access to Court Case Information, a valuable online service providing a resource for information about court cases from 177 out of 184 courts in Arizona. Read about our approach to external linking. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. She said a term of immediate custody would have an "immense" impact on the members of his family. RecordsFinder searches is accurate or up to date. 2d 499, . We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Swansea: Care home staff 'racially abused residents and dragged them by their hair', court hears, Nationwide hikes up mortgage rates again just weeks after promoting cuts. Since these crimes were committed, Gower Lodge has had its name changed to Cae Deri. Phoenix, AZ 85003. September 25, 2018. Colette McCullough, 35, died in July 2016 while living at a Tracscare-run facility in Bedfordshire. It took me a long time. It said Barnett threatened to sic his large dog on 24 migrants while they rested and that he kicked a woman while she lay, terrified, on the ground. Gower vs. Ducasse. Judge Walters said the whistleblowers who came forward to give evidence about what was going on at Gower Lodge were to be commended for their courage, saying such people "give voice to those who have no voice". The inquest jury concluded that a lack of communication between agencies and inadequate discharge and care planning had contributed to Mr Richards' death. Gower Lodge residential home houses adults with learning difficulties, and behavioural and mental health problems in need of care. Asked why she had not reported what she had seen she said: "I was worried about coming forward. He said the offending "amounts unquestionable to thoughtless and heartless unkindness, committed in what can only be described as a serious breach of trust.". A spokesman for Care Inspectorate Wales confirmed the name of Gower Lodge had changed to Cae Deri and the home had been cleared to admit residents once again, subject to informing CIW and the commissioning authority six weeks in advance. Sentences of more than one year are served in a state Department of Corrections facility. Generally, a preliminary hearing is held in Justice Court, but it may be held in Superior Court. The depositions, on which the case was submitted, do not show clear proof of conspiracy or secret negotiation. The superior court issued the restitution order over Gower's objections, implicitly rejecting both of Gower's claims. You may not reproduce it in part or in any abridged form and may only quote from it with the consent in writing of Welsh Ministers In Gower Criminal Courts, the government brings a case against a defendant who is accused of breaking the law. ", Ms Powell said: "This was a difficult working environment and sometimes banter gets staff through the day. Internet Explorer 10 Users: Case details will not display properly unless you switch to Compatibility View. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Then concerns raised by a former employee sparked a police investigation. A preliminary hearing is required when a felony case is initiated by a direct complaint. The severity of crimes determines the length of sentences. Gower Lodge Care Home is registered with Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) to provide personal care and accommodation for up to twelve (12) younger adults aged eighteen to sixty four, who have a learning disability, or who have a learning disability and a mental health disorder. Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Best coffee city in the world? Life imprisonment is also an option for murder convictions. She said she made covert recordings of some of those comments made by staff at the centre, which provides care for individuals with complex behavioural issues and mental health problems, but had not immediately reported them. The case status is Disposed - Other Disposed. A support worker left a care home where three men are accused of abusing residents because of the "emotional abuse" she claimed to have witnessed. In Case No. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Prosecutor Abul Hussain told the court the case was expected to involve "a lengthy trial" involving 20 prosecution witnesses. A federal appeals court has upheld a controversial verdict that an Arizona rancher must pay $87,000 to four illegal immigrants he detained at gunpoint while they were crossing his property. Another court date is set for the next proceeding, usually in Justice Court or Superior Court. Douglas Stephens, 41, Anthony Thomas, 65, and David Wedlake, who worked at Gower Lodge in Gowerton, Swansea, took part in sickening abuse of vulnerable residents. 201 W. Jefferson Street Defendants may also be ordered to pay restitution to their victims. Gower Lodge provided intensive support and accommodation for people with highly challenging learning disabilities and complex mental health and other needs. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. Douglas Stephens, of Rhosyderi, Tumble, Llanelli, was sentenced to a total of 15 months in prison; Anthony John Thomas, of Briar Dene, Sketty, Swansea, was also sentenced to a total of 15 months in prison; David Michael Wedlake, of Cecil Street, Manselton, Swansea, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. The severity of crimes determines the length of sentences. He said at the age of 65 the defendant's working life was now over and his conviction had been a "fall from grace" for a man who was the "pillar" of his family. In June of 2017, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) observed a computer that was sharing digital files containing graphic depictions of child sexual exploitation over a peer-to-peer file . Barnetts attorney, John Kaufmann, said he may ask the panel to rehear the case. 2023 BBC. It was emotional abuse. That was the words. Following the inquest on 9 March, a spokesman for Tracscare said: "This inquest highlighted failings in 2015 by both the mental health services and ourselves. A judge told the trio they way they had treated their victims - all of whom had complex behavioural and emotional issues - had been "abhorrent". Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. A range of improvements had been implemented and the home was now rated as "good" by the CQC, the statement added. Read about our approach to external linking. Residents were moved out and nine staff members were suspended. The abuse, which happened between 2015 and 2017, came to light when a former member of staff raised her concerns about what she had seen and heard - they were initially investigated by the care company before the police were alerted. At the initial appearance, four important events take place: A felony charge is initiated by a complaint or an indictment. I suggest you perhaps you mistook some of those comments.". On 03/02/2022 ESTATE OF ALVIN R GOWER was filed as a Probate - Other Probate lawsuit. Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, US lawyer jailed for murdering wife and son, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Written and curated by real attorneys at Quimbee. He said it was clear there had been a culture at the care home where a blind eye was effectively turned to the way residents were being ill-treated, and he praised the courage of whistle-blowers who came forward with damning testimony about what was going on. Swansea Crown Court heard Douglas Stephens, who worked at Gower Lodge in Gowerton, Swansea, had been abusive, made sexual comments toward women and on one occasion dragged one woman off a sofa by her hair, knelt on her stomach and banged her head on the floor. A Tracscare spokesman said, "The service has re-registered and will be reopening soon.". 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Douglas Stephens, 41, of Cefneithin, Carmarthenshire, was found guilty of the ill treatment or wilful neglect of three women who lacked capacity at Gower Lodge in Swansea. Tony Rowlands, 51, of Jenkins Road, Neath denies one count of ill treatment or wilful neglect of a person at Frood House in July 2017, Michelle Spiller, 34, of Port Talbot, denies a charge of ill treating or wilfully neglecting a person at Gower Lodge in October 2016, She further denies a joint charge with Kellie Walters, 24, of ill treating or wilfully neglecting a person in her care at Gower Lodge between 30 May 2017 and 3 June 2017, Ms Walters, of Gorseinon, Swansea denies the same charge, Douglas Stephens, 38, of Cefneithin, Carmarthenshire, denies four counts of ill treating or wilfully neglecting three individuals in his care at Gower Lodge between January 2015 and July 2017, Anthony John Thomas, 62, of Sketty Park, Swansea denies two charges of ill treating or wilfully neglecting two individuals at Gower Lodge. Victims have the right to address the court on what they believe would be a proper sentence. He also made sexual comments towards two female residents, including threatening to perform sexual acts on them, as well as a racist slur towards another resident. The Arizona Corporation Commission's Securities Division, along with the Arizona Attorney General's Office, conducted the investigation. 2d 240 (2001), United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, case facts, key issues, and holdings and reasonings online today. Information is updated each Friday to reflect case information through the Wednesday of the same week. This means the court will determine if the person shall be released on bond or on their own recognizance, or remain jailed for the safety of the community. 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