A RESIDENT died after the care home she was living at failed to look after her properly.

Ridgewood Care Services Ltd failed to provide proper care at the New Inn home in Uckfield in March 2017, resulting in the death of resident Mary-Jane Cotton.

The company admitted the charge following an investigation by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The home’s manager Michelle Moyo, 46, of Blackness Road, Crowborough, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court jointly accused of failing to provide care and treatment in a safe way.

The court was told there had been a lengthy delay in bringing the case to court as Sussex Police had initially investigated and the Crown Prosecution Service had only recently decided not to pursue charges – at which point the CQC prosecution took over.

The court was told the deadline for cases of this nature to come to court is three years but proceedings must begin within one year, meaning the case against Moyo could still be dismissed because of the time limits.

Addressing Ms Cotton’s family in the court, District Judge Tessa Szagun apologised for the delays in the case but ruled that Moyo will not face trial until next January and said the company will be sentenced on the same date.

The court was told that all three care homes run by Ridgewood Care Services Ltd, in Lewes Road, Uckfield, had been assessed by the CQC following Ms Cotton’s death.

They are all currently rated as good.

The company will be sentenced and Moyo will face a trial on January 28.