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In her life Margaret became a victim. In death she changed the law of the land...
A STAR campaign following the torture and death of a frail Sheffield pensioner has ended in success - with a nationwide change in the law.
The Star helped bring the tragedy to the attention of Home Secretary David Blunkett who demanded a review of the case of Margaret Panting, who died after weeks of sickening torture.
The 78-year-old died in July 2001, just weeks after moving to live with her son-in-law Peter Biggin and her teenage grandchildren at their home in Normanton Hill, Normanton Springs in Woodhouse.
A post-mortem revealed a horrific catalogue of more than 60 injuries including razor-blade cuts to Mrs Panting's stomach and chest, cigarette burns to her back and armpits, and black eyes.
There were so many bruises a pathologist could not count them all.
But although Mr Biggin and his sons Martin, then 18, and Nathan, 16, were arrested on suspicion of murder, it could not be proved who was responsible for her injuries and no-one has ever been prosecuted.
Now a new law – the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill – aims to protect vulnerable adults, including the elderly, from violence, abuse or neglect.
And a new charge of 'causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult' will apply to relatives or carers who abuse old people.
Even those who did not cause the injuries, but who ought to have been aware of the risks and failed to do anything about it, can be prosecuted.
Today the national charity Action on Elder Abuse welcomed the new legislation.
Chief Executive Gary FitzGerald said: "The Margaret Panting case in Sheffield totally and completely led to this change in the law.
"Ever since the Sheffield case we have been pushing David Blunkett and the Home Office hard for new protection for vulnerable older people, and Margaret Panting was the key that led to this legislation.
"There will never be another situation like that of Margaret Panting, we wanted to make sure of that. This legislation gives vulnerable people that protection.
"She could have gone to her grave and nothing might ever have been done. We are very pleased with this legislation.
"This legislation allows the police to bring a charge of 'joint liability'. In another similar case, even if everyone in the household claims 'I didn't do it', every one of them could be charged.
"The public are now very aware of child abuse and the deaths that have occurred as a consequence. But not so well known is the suffering of very old and very frail people at the hands of abusers, many of whom are related to them."
Mr Blunkett revealed in July 2002 plans to introduce 'joint liability' for similar crimes following the Margaret Panting case.
An inquiry led by former South Yorkshire police detective superintendent Roger Vickers has already concluded and investigators are expected to publish their findings within the next six weeks.
Mrs Panting's injuries began after she left sheltered accommodation at Newton Croft, Woodhouse, five weeks before her death, to live with her son-in-law Peter Biggin and her grandchildren Martin, Nathan, and 13-year-old Carina.
The family now live at Tithe Barn Avenue, Woodhouse.
Pathologist Guy Rutty believed her death may have been caused by smothering, but this could not be proved.
Instead he told an inquest: "This is a case of elder abuse.This lady had been repeatedly struck blows to her body, excessively gripped, burnt and probably also been cut with a sharp implement."
Coroner Chris Dorries, who heard the injuries were not self-inflicted, recorded an open verdict after ruling that Mrs Panting had been abused by a person or persons unknown.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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