Social work "missed opportunities" to stop abuse that led to murder of Ayrshire woman
The findings of a significant case review have been published
A review following the murder of a disabled woman in Troon has found social workers “missed opportunities” to stop the abuse which “ultimately led to her death.”
Sharon Greenop was found dead at her home in November 2016 with fears her body may have lay undiscovered for weeks. The condition meant an exact time of death couldn’t be established.
Sharon’s sister, Lynette Greenop, was subsequently convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in May 2018.
Before her death, 46 year-old Sharon received a community care package from social work services within the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
A review was therefore ordered to consider whether or not there were lessons to be learned about how to better protect adults at risk in future.
The review was led by an independent chair and experienced senior social worker, David Crawford.
It concluded that the responsibility for Sharon’s death lies with Lynette and that no one could have foreseen her violent death.
However it also revealed a number of issues that could have led care workers to uncovering the campaign of abuse that was being carried out on Sharon.
The care package she was receiving was cancelled by Lynette over the phone in January 2016 – 11 months before the murder. It was agreed that Lynette and Sharon’s daughter Shayla could manage the care on their own with no input from professionals.
The report also highlights a call made by another sister Diane Hogg in August 2016 – four months before the murder. She phoned the Duty Social Work system to enquire whether or not Sharon was still receiving care and also told a worker that her father had seen Sharon with a black eye on two occasions in recent weeks. But this was not taken any further or referred to adult protection. Diane was instead advised to contact the police.
Among other “critical issues” outlined in the report is poor record keeping over several years and major gaps. There was also a serious lack of reviews which were supposed to be done at least every year. None were carried out for Sharon for four years. And a lack of staff was also blamed for poor upkeep of Sharon’s case.
Professor Paul martin CBE, independent Chair of the South Ayrshire Adult Protection committee said, “Sharon’s violent death was a tragedy that no one could have foreseen and our thoughts are with her family and friends. It is clear that steps could have – and should have- been taken by the partnership that could have stopped the abuse she suffered before her death.
“That’s unacceptable and through the Adult Protection Committee and Chief Officers’ Group - which includes Council and the NHS – I’ll be ensuring that the necessary improvements are put in place as quickly as possible and visibly make a difference for people and communities in South Ayrshire.
“The Committee will monitor progress closely and seek clear evidence so we know – for a fact – that services are improving and continue to protect vulnerable people from harm.”
The recommendations made are as follows:
~ Ensure proper steps are taken before the closure of a care package and before the transfer of cases between teams.
~ Ensure comprehensive arrangements are in place to review care packages on at least an annual basis.
~ Continue to rigorously monitor the effectiveness of the duty system in adult services where concerns may be reported.