‘Missed opportunities’ to protect vulnerable woman before murder

An independent investigation into the death of a disabled woman has found “missed opportunities” to intervene before her murder.

Sharon Greenop, 46, was found dead at her home in Troon, South Ayrshire in November 2016. She had been killed by her sister Lynette.

A Significant Case Review, published yesterday, said noone could have foreseen her death. But it identified a series of failings in the care provided by South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

The review was led by senior social worker David Crawford and included representatives from South Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Police Scotland.

It said the decision to allow Sharon’s care package to be closed was “flawed” and allowed the circumstances to develop that ultimately led to her death.

And it said the Partnership missed opportunities to raise adult protection concerns regarding Sharon’s wellbeing, which could have resulted in interventions that stopped Sharon being abused.

Professor Paul Martin, independent chairman of the South Ayrshire Adult Protection Committee, said: “Sharon’s violent death was a tragedy that no-one could have foreseen and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

“It’s clear that steps could have – and should have – been taken by the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership that could have stopped the abuse she suffered before her untimely death.”

Lynette Greenop was found guilty of murder at the High Court in Glasgow last year. A murder charge against Sharon’s daughter, Shayla, was found not proven.

Yesterday, Sharon’s other sister, Diane Hogg, said: “I questioned the continuity of care and the system which should have protected Sharon. As the review was progressing and urgent recommendations were being administered, I knew that other areas would take time to change.

“Hopefully lessons can and will be learned. Although I have answers, it still leaves an undeniable feeling within myself that just maybe my sister would still be alive if protocols and policies had been followed.”

Tim Eltringham, director of the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We take our responsibilities to protect vulnerable adults from harm very seriously. And while we know it won’t bring Sharon back, we are deeply sorry that we failed Sharon and her family and I have delivered that apology in person to her sister, Diane.”