Kathleen Vitturini, 62, of High Street, Elswick, Preston admitted the charge at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday April 29.

She was originally charged with manslaughter by way of gross negligence after Peter Giles, who suffered from Parkinson's disease and had mental health issues, died in October 2004.

In 2003 Social Services, with the consent of his family, placed Mr Giles into the care of Vitturini, at the Abbeycroft care home in Bispham.

By September 2004 Mr Giles' condition was deteriorating quickly.
Immediately following his death HM Coroner in Blackpool referred the case to the police for investigation.

Expert opinion was obtained and a case was prepared and presented to the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised that Vitturini, who was at the time Mrs Bennett, was charged with manslaughter by gross negligence but in the light of further medical evidence she pleaded guilty to wilful neglect and the original charge was withdrawn.

Mr Giles' brother Ken Giles said: "The only thing I know Peter would wish for from this case being brought to Crown Court by the CPS is that all those involved within the care home profession, who have a duty of care for all their residents, sit up and take note so saving anyone else, and their families, going through the pain that this family has had to over the past three-and-a-half years.

"The family would like to thank all those involved with this prosecution for all their help and hard work."

Detective Inspector Des Coop, who led the investigation, said: "I am satisfied with today's result which follows a lengthy and detailed investigation.

"Mrs Vitturini, as the person in charge of the home, had a duty of care towards Mr Giles, but she clearly failed in that duty."

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