A Fylde woman has been jailed for six months for the wilful neglect of a 57-year-old man who died in her care at a Blackpool nursing home.

Kathleen Vitturini, 62, of West Drive, Thornton Cleveleys, admitted the charge at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday April 29.

She was originally charged with manslaughter by way of gross negligence after Peter Giles died in October 2004.

Mr Giles suffered from Parkinson's disease and had mental health issues and was cared for by a close family, who were assisted by Social Services.

In 2003 Social Services, with the consent of his family, placed Mr Giles into the care of Vitturini, at the Abbeycroft care home in Bispham.

By September 2004 Mr Giles' condition was deteriorating very quickly and it is the speed and extent of that deterioration that has been at the centre of the police investigation into his death.

Immediately following his death HM Coroner in Blackpool referred the case to the police for investigation.

Expert opinion was obtained and a case was prepared and presented to the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised that Vitturini, who was at the time Mrs Bennett, was charged with manslaughter by gross negligence.

However, in the light of further medical evidence, Vitturini pleaded guilty to wilful neglect and the original charge was withdrawn.

Detective Inspector Des Coop, who led the investigation, said: "I am satisfied with today's result which follows a lengthy and detailed investigation.

"Mrs Vitturini, as the person in charge of the home, had a duty of care towards Mr Giles, but she clearly failed in that duty.

"This is a tragic case and my thoughts are with Mr Giles' family.

"I only hope today's sentencing will help them deal with the loss of a much loved family member and we will continue to support them in the future in any appropriate way."

Mr Giles' brother Ken said: "Peter was a very caring and affectionate person, but when he needed care most he was let down badly by the system.

"He managed his long mental illness very well, but towards the end his Parkinson's added to his problems.

"All he needed was to be looked after in a caring manner, by eating and drinking when he was able to and be picked up when he fell over, very basic needs.

"His placement at Abbey Croft didn't cater for those needs.

"The only thing I know Peter would wish for from this case being brought to Crown Court by the CPS is that all those involved within the care home profession, who have a duty of care for all their residents, sit up and take note so saving anyone else, and their families, going through the pain that this family has had to over the past three and a half years.

"The family would like to thank all those involved with this prosecution for all their help and hard work."