RUNNING care homes is no different to any other business – there are good operators and there are others who bring the industry into disrepute.

Our story today about the way Matt Matharu was operating will alarm many people who have loved ones in care homes.

Matharu was jailed by a judge at Teesside Crown Court following the death of a 90-year-old resident who climbed through an unrestrained window at Parkview care home in Seaton Carew and fell to the ground.

Judge Michael Taylor told Matharu, who has an interest in six other care homes, that his "reckless disregard" for health and safety was to blame for the tragedy. He failed to keep maintenance records and neglected to properly train his staff in health and safety matters. In short, he didn't care enough.

The jailing of Matharu underlines the seriousness of the case and we hope it acts as a warning to others in the care home business who are cutting corners. He he not only lost his freedom but his business credibility.

The message to care home operators is loud and clear: There can be no compromise on the safety of residents.