LAWYERS are considering whether a former care home patient is to be charged over the death of a resident who had allegedly been attacked.

Jennie Bryant, 89, died on July 5 last year after an incident at the Brockwell Court nursing home in Consett, County Durham.

She died a result of blunt trauma to the head after she was allegedly assaulted by a 71-year-old man who lived at the home.

Durham Constabulary and the Care Quality Commission launched an investigation into what happened and the suspect was arrested, but police were unable to interview him as he was detained under the Mental Health Act.

Now, a file has now been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), who will decide whether to charge the man following Mrs Bryant’s death.

Detective Chief Inspector Brad Howe said: “This week we have provided an update for the coroner’s review and can confirm a file has been sent to the CPS for their consideration. In the meantime police enquiries are continuing into this incident.”

Mrs Bryant, a great grandmother, suffered from dementia and is thought to have argued with the resident on June 28.

The great-grandmother was then taken to the University Hospital North Durham for treatment to a head injury but died a week later.

County Durham and Darlington Coroner Andrew Tweddle has adjourned the inquest to April 27.

He said: “The case has been referred to the CPS for its consideration of the circumstances and it may well be dealt with by its complex case team, based in York.

“I can’t proceed until I know that the CPS has concluded its inquiries with regard to any possible criminal proceedings.”