Catherine Butters sits on the memorial bench for her son Christopher Wakeman, who died after escaping from a care home

by Hayley Robinson

The grieving mum of a severely autistic man who fell to his death after escaping from a care home says someone must be held accountable.

Christopher Wakeman managed to get out of the main door at Byfield Court Care Home, in Sheppey Way, Bobbing.

A short time later, the 23-year-old fell about 20ft from the Quinton flyover onto the A249.

A post-mortem found he died from multiple injuries on November 28 last year.

Kent Police launched an investigation, but found no criminal offences had taken place.

Mum Catherine Butters, from Minster, said: "I'm angry. He shouldn't have been able to get out. The staff were being paid for one-to-one 24-hour care, which they failed to do.

"He got out three months previously after he found a bunch of keys. They didn't realise he'd gone until he returned. I spoke to his care manager and said it must never happen again because it could have been a totally different story.

"I hurt very much. I don't know if that will ever go away. I'm heartbroken."
A solicitor is looking into the case on behalf of Mrs Butters.

"i hurt very much. i don't know if that will ever go away. i'm heartbroken…” – catherine butters

She said: "It's not about the money. I want them to be accountable. It feels like his death isn't important to them."

An investigation into Christopher's death is currently being carried out by Kent County Council, Medway Council, which funded his placement, and ACH Care Homes, which runs Byfield Court.

A KCC spokesman said: "The adult protection investigation is still running. It is important for the organisations that are involved to be thorough."

ACH said: "We extend, once again, our deepest sympathies to Christopher Wakeman's family following this tragic accident.

"Unfortunately, ACH is not permitted to make any further comment at this time due to the matter being the subject of an open safeguarding inquiry."

Flowers on the Quinton flyover, Sittingbourne

An inquest into Christopher's death is due to be held at the Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone, on June 13.

A bench in memory of Christopher Wakeman has been installed at The Leas, Minster, overlooking the waterfront.

Mum Catherine Butters and sister Katie paid a fee to Swale council to fit the plastic seat so they and friends would have somewhere to remember him.