The mother of a profoundly disabled woman has taken her out of a council-run respite care centre because she came home with a big bruise on her arm.

Annette Boozier’s daughter Lesley Thompson came home from the Napier Service care unit, in Rochester, crying and complaining about her bruise.

Lesley, who is 49, has the mental age of a toddler after suffering complications during her birth which left her with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a severe learning disability.

She stays at the Napier Service unit, based at Robert Bean Lodge, in Pattens Lane, some weekends to give her mum a break.

Lesley’s disability means she needs 24-hour care and she also uses the centre’s day care service during the week, but comes back to her home in Walsingham Close, Parkwood, on week nights.

However, when she came home one day in tears, an escort with her told Mrs Boozier Lesley had been moaning about a bruise on her arm.

Ms Boozier, 68, said: “At first I didn’t think much of it, as she can moan sometimes.
“I reassured her she was home now and everything was OK. When I went to take her tea into her room, I saw the bruise.

“I was so shocked I had an asthma attack, I just couldn’t understand it, I cried my eyes out.

“I’ve never even smacked her. If she’s ever naughty I take her playing cards away from her for 10 minutes to punish her, that’s all.”

Mrs Boozier called the police.

Police in Medway confirmed officers were investigating a complaint of assault in relation to Lesley’s bruise, but had not made any arrests.

Ms Boozier, added: “I’ve taken her out of there and she will not be going back.

“I’ve complained to Lesley’s care manager at Medway Council too, but they have yet to find somewhere for her to go and so there will be no respite care or day service until then, she’s now out of the care system.”

“Lesley is my baby and she’s never going back, I’m furious about what’s happened.”

“Lesley is my baby and she’s never going back, I’m furious about what’s happened" - Annette Boozier

The police spokesman added: “We are investigating it but as yet have made no arrests.”

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that an allegation has been made and we are investigating this under our multi-agency safeguarding adult protection procedures.

“This investigation – which is being led by the police – is ongoing so we are unable to comment further.

“Medway Council and the Napier Unit always ensure the safety of residents is paramount and that any allegations made are always taken very seriously and thoroughly investigated.