FIFTEEN families with relatives at a Haydock care home expressed concern after a former senior care assistant was jailed for sexually abusing a resident.

As revealed by the Star, Derek Rigby was sentenced to two and a half years for four offences of engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder.

The offences took place at Colliers Croft Care Home in Clipsley Lane between December 2013 and June this year.

The victim, aged in her 80s, had suffered a series of mini strokes and also has dementia.

Her daughter planted secret cameras in the home after suspecting abuse.

A spokesperson for St Helens Council said that while 15 families telephoned seeking reassurance and asking questions, none have chosen to move their relatives to a different home.

St Helens Council's Head of Adult Safeguarding, Dianne Lightfoot, said: "Colliers Croft did take adequate precautions when recruiting Rigby, but at that point he didn't have a criminal record - so no risks were identified.

"Sadly it's a fact of life that sometimes abuse occurs despite all the precautions put in place to prevent it.

"Once we became aware of what had happened, there was an immediate protection plan put in place in accordance with the St Helens multi agency adult safeguarding procedures."

St Helens Police Superintendent, Chris Markey, said: "While we know it has been very difficult for the family, this case demonstrates a high level of cooperation between the police and council that has helped to protect elderly people from further abuse by Rigby."

The council spokesperson added that after the arrest, families of all residents at Colliers Croft were briefed on the situation, as were other local authorities which had placed people at the home.

A further letter was sent to residents and their families once the case had been concluded.