‘Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.’
So says Proverbs 31.8, 9. Let me tell you the stories of two frail old men, both living alone. They are true stories, but their names are withheld because of reporting restrictions imposed by the Court of Protection – whose cloak of secrecy is being lifted by Sir James Munby, president of the Family Division of the High Court.
Seizing houses
One of the men, an 80-year-old, was taken into care by social workers against his will after a complaint from a neighbour that he seemed to be neglected. His son was living overseas at the time. The council seized his house (containing family heirlooms) which, to pay for his care, it proceeded to sell to the man who had made the complaint. The son was allowed only occasional visits, which were eventually terminated. During his time in ‘care’ the 80year-old lost seven teeth when attacked on three occasions with a stick by another resident. He eventually died of pneumonia.
