A care worker could be prosecuted over the death of a man with
learning difficulties in 1998 after the Crown Prosecution Service
confirmed that it is considering whether to reopen the case.
Malcolm Rowley, who had the physical capacity of a four-month- old
baby and required 24-hour supervision, drowned when he was left
unattended in the bath for a few minutes.
In 2001, an inquest found that Rowley died of accidental death
contributed to by neglect, and Salford social services admitted
responsibility and paid £1,750 compensation to his family. It
was also fined £115,000 by the Health and Safety Executive.
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However, Greater Manchester Police has resubmitted the file to the
CPS after campaigners highlighted its failure to consider potential
breaches of the Mental Health Act 1983 because of a lack of
awareness of the legislation.
Salford Council promised to fully co-operate with any further
investigations.
