Care home boss jailed for systemic abuse of disabled residents

A court has convicted thirteen staff members, including managers and directors, of organized and systemic abuse at a care home in Devon. The accused left disabled adults in unfurnished, punitive rooms without access to basic necessities such as food, heating, TV, or toilets. One resident was subjected to over 1,000 sessions in a bare room during 2010-2011, with one individual spending 195 sessions including 13 overnight stays. His mother described this treatment as 'barbaric, disgusting and unnecessary.' Jolyon Marshall, aged 42, the manager, was sentenced to 28 months in prison for conspiracy to falsely imprison and perverting the course of justice. Twelve others, including his wife Rachel Marshall, 32, were found guilty of the same offences. The care home companies involved, Veilstone and Gatooma, operated in Bideford and Holsworthy, charging up to PS4,000 weekly per resident. The case highlighted severe neglect and abuse, with the care home being described as 'barbaric.'