A charity has branded the ill-treatment of vulnerable residents at a specialist unit as ‘absolutely horrific’ as four former care workers are sentenced.

The abuse of the residents at Whorlton Hall was captured on secret recordings by an undercover BBC reporter posing as a care worker.

Footage of the harrowing behaviour was played to jurors at Teesside Crown court during a trial of former staff at the County Durham unit, which is now closed.

A judge gave four former care workers suspended sentences for their role in the taunting and intimidation of the extremely vulnerable adults who have been diagnosed with autism and learning difficulties.

Peter Bennett, Matthew Banner, Ryan Fuller and John Sanderson, were all convicted of a variety of charges following a lengthy trial.

The Northern Echo: Ex Whorlton Hall staff members Peter Bennett, Matthew Banner, Ryan Fuller and John Sanderson have been sentenced for ill-treating residents.Ex Whorlton Hall staff members Peter Bennett, Matthew Banner, Ryan Fuller and John Sanderson have been sentenced for ill-treating residents. (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking after the hearing, Tim Nicholls, head of influencing and research at the National Autistic Society, said: “The abuse of autistic people and people with learning disabilities in this case is absolutely horrific. Today, the court heard powerful testimony about how this still impacts the lives of Whorlton Hall’s victims, day in, day out.

“No sentence will take away their trauma, but many people rightly believe that this isn’t enough. We’re thinking of those who were callously abused in Whorlton Hall’s supposed care, and their families and carers, who have bravely made clear the devastating and long-lasting impact it continues to have on their lives.

“This case is just one example of a much wider and decades-long injustice against autistic people and people with learning disabilities, who continue to be let down by inadequate social care services and out-of-date mental health law.

“There are currently more than 2,000 autistic people and people with learning disabilities still stuck in mental health hospitals, often without the right support and even at risk of harm, because they can’t get the right help in their communities.

“We need a complete overhaul of the system, as well as urgent reform of mental health law, and funding for community mental health and social care services. This is one of the greatest human rights crises of our generation – and it needs to end now.”

The Northern Echo: Whorlton Hall, near Barnard Castle, was closed down following the broadcast of the Panorama programmeWhorlton Hall, near Barnard Castle, was closed down following the broadcast of the Panorama programme (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham Constabulary carried out a lengthy and complex investigation following the Panorama documentary being aired.

Immediate action was taken and within 36 hours of the programme being aired, several carers employed at Whorlton Hall were arrested at their home addresses and interviewed by police.

Investigators from the force’s Major Crime Team worked through several months of camera footage during the inquiry, as well as significant amounts of documentary records and witness evidence.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ashton, who led the investigation, said: “This was an extensive investigation into the mistreatment of vulnerable people who required specialist care. We hope that the conviction of those involved provides the patients and their families with some element of closure.

“As a force, we have worked closely with other agencies to prioritise the safety of those patients who, sadly, had suffered from the abuse which was exposed by the BBC Panorama documentary.

The Northern Echo: The four former staff members caught on secret recordings ill-treating residents at Whorlton HallThe four former staff members caught on secret recordings ill-treating residents at Whorlton Hall (Image: CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE)

“The case raises concerns, particularly for those who have vulnerable relatives or friends who require specialist care. We hope that the successful prosecution of the defendants in this case gives confidence to anyone who may be concerned about abuse in a care environment to speak out and report such matters.”

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Bennett, 54, of Redworth Road, Billingham, was told his four-month sentence would be suspended for 18 months and ordered to carry out 280 hours of unpaid work.

While 44-year-old Banner, formerly of Newton Aycliffe but now of no fixed abode, was given an identical sentence.

Fuller, 28, of Deerbolt Bank, Barnard Castle, was told his three-month sentence would be suspended for 15 months and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

And 26-year-old Sanderson, of Cambridge Avenue, Willington, County Durham, was told his six-week sentence would be suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.