AN elderly woman suffering from dementia was force-fed in a humiliating pattern of abuse at a care home.

Two carers this week pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court, to the ill treatment of the 85-year-old at Victoria Care Home in Rainford over several months last year. Their behaviour has also been condemned by bosses at the home, who say there is no place for for people like this in their organisation.

David Hill, 48, a senior care nurse, and 57-year-old Kathleen Roberts were charged with the ill treatment or neglect of a person that lacks capacity under the Mental Health Act.

Both were due to stand trial on Tuesday but changed their pleas to guilty at the last minute.

Prosecutor John Altham told the court how Hill, from Cowley Hill Lane, St Helens had squirted the elderly resident with water from a syringe, force fed her and flicked food at her.

He had also fitted her into an electronic hoist and raised her up and down for his own amusement.

The court was told Roberts, who is recovering from cancer, played a less active role and was said to have laughed and encouraged Hill in his actions.

Hill, who originally faced five charges, will be sentenced after admitting the one charge.

Roberts will be sentenced on one count, although the court was told it is recognised there is a lesser degree of culpability on her part.

Both their families sat together in the court’s public gallery, alongside relatives of the victim.

Granting conditional bail, Judge Robert Warnock warned Hill could face a maximum seven months in jail and Roberts, from Dunmail Avenue in Carr Mill, up to five months. They are due to be sentenced on Wednesday, May 26.

In a strongly worded statement, Four Seasons, the company which runs the home, said: “We are appalled and saddened by this case. It has badly let down all of the decent caring staff at the home and the residents who trust us to look after their wellbeing and comfort.

“Our care staff raised their concerns with the manager who properly notified the authorities in line with our procedures and so triggered the investigation.

“Mr Hill and Ms Roberts have since been dismissed. There is no place in our organisation for people who behave in the way described in court. “We feel particularly let down by Mr Hill who was recruited in a supervisory role as a registered mental nurse and so was trained and qualified to care for elderly people with dementia.”