Jillian Stone's trial is being heard at Maidstone Crown Court

by Keith Hunt

A carer ill-treated five elderly residents who were suffering from dementia or other mental health problems, a court heard.

After a colleague "blew the whistle" on Jillian Stone, an investigation was launched and a catalogue of incidents was revealed dating back to 2007, it was alleged.

Tanya Robinson, prosecuting, said one resident was so scared of 48-year-old Stone she would ask if she was on the next shift.

"She would appear frightened if told she was," Miss Robinson told Maidstone Crown Court. "On a number of occasions she told people she thought Jill would hurt her or kill her if she did not get out of bed."

Stone, a team leader, worked first at Churchlands care home, in Palmerston Road, Chatham, and when building work was carried out there moved to Shaws Wood, in Strood.

She moved back to the Churchlands site when the work was completed and the home was renamed Amherst.

Miss Robinson said victims ranged from women in their 60s to one who was 100. Two had since died.

Carer Victoria Roots eventually blew the whistle on alleged abuse, which included force-feeding residents with medication, shouting and swearing at them, and throwing water over one woman to make her get out of bed.

"if she had a bad day and was under stress, then everybody got it…” – tanya robinson , prosecuting

Miss Robinson said one resident who complained she was cold had her blanket removed by Stone and was wheeled outside in winter to teach her some sort of lesson.

"She was described as a forceful character," said the prosecutor. "If she had a good day, everybody had a good day. If she had a bad day and was under stress, then everybody got it."

Because Stone was close friends with the manager and assistant manager, she said, other staff thought they would not be believed or lose their jobs if they spoke out.

"It may also be others struggled to complain because they said the defendant could be a lovely person," said Miss Robinson.

"Despite this, she would, on occasions, snap and treat residents in a way that shocked and appalled colleagues."

The carer was suspended from work in September 2010.

Stone, now of Merton Road, South Norwood, south-east London, denies 11 charges of ill-treatment or neglect of a person who lacks capacity.

The trial continues.