Bath drowning case may be re-opened

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.

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.