THE deputy manager of a care home is due in court over the alleged assault of an elderly resident.

In October, The Northern Echo reported that a member of staff had been suspended from Redworth House care home, in Shildon, County Durham, while police investigated the allegation.

It is not known when the alleged incident happened, and the victim has not been identified.

After the investigation, Alan Young, 53, from Willington, has been charged with one count of common assault and is bailed to appear at Bishop Auckland Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 7.

The purpose-built care home is in Byerley Road and provides nursing and residential care for elderly dementia sufferers and people with learning difficulties.

It is owned by Darlingtonbased Southern Cross Healthcare Group, which is the country’s biggest provider of care homes.

Area manager Joanna Elliott said: “Swift action was taken as soon as the alleged incident came to our attention and Mr Young was suspended pending further investigation.

We co-operated fully with the police during their investigations.

“Southern Cross has a zerotolerance policy towards the abuse or assault of residents.

“We sincerely regret that the alleged incident involving Mr Young occurred at Redworth House.

“It does not reflect the normal standards of care for our residents at the home, where their health and wellbeing is our priority”

The care home has 57 ensuite bedrooms and a self-contained day centre that operates on weekdays.