Devon care home fined £200K after two disabled residents drowned

A care home has been ordered to pay out more than £200,000 after two wheelchair users drowned and a third was seriously injured when a leaky boat capsized during a day trip.

Exeter Magistrates' Court heard Burdon Grange care home, near Beaworthy in Devon, failed to carry out basic safety checks before sending six residents to Roadford Lake, near Launceston, Cornwall, in June 2022.

The group hired a “wheel boat” designed for people in wheelchairs, but it took on water and capsized, trapping the victims in heavy electric wheelchairs, the court heard.

Former rugby player Alex Wood, 43, and Alison Tilsley, 63, died and their bodies were discovered two days later. Kate Dart survived with serious injuries.

The court heard Ms Dart, aged in her 50s, was found face down in the water.

District Judge Stuart Smith described the case as “devastating, harrowing and absolutely tragic”.

He highlighted the home's “complacency about risk” and a “false sense of security” in relying on boat hirers to carry out safety checks.

The court heard the victims were strapped into wheelchairs and had no way of getting out.

The judge heard no life jacket could have supported Mr Wood's weight in the seat from which he could not escape.

One employee, who did not know how to swim, was stuck under the boat for 15 minutes.

Mr Wood, a father of four, moved into a care home after being injured in a rugby accident in France in 2011.

His wife Tamsin broke down in court, saying: “Alex's death has broken me.

“I feel deceived. I wanted to cure Alex and bring him home.

“This one was taken away. I loved Alex so much.”

His father Peter said the family were “deeply concerned and hurt that his death could have been avoided”.

Marine Accident Investigation Branch later discovered that the boat had not been properly maintainedallowing water to seep in and destabilize it.

Burdon Grange Care Home Ltd admitted three charges of failing to provide safe care in accordance with health and social care laws.

He was fined £180,000, including £20,000 and a victim surcharge of £190.

Catherine Campbell, deputy director of the Care Quality Commission in Devon, said after the case: “The failure of the provider, management and staff to identify and address clear hazards was unacceptable and placed highly vulnerable people at serious risk of harm.”

Burdon Grange said in a statement after the case: “We recognize the pain and suffering this boating tragedy has caused to the families, relatives and friends of Alex and Ali, whose losses are still deeply felt in our community.

“Our priority now is to move forward and consistently provide the high quality care and support our residents and their families rightfully expect.”