THE death of a vulnerable 15-year-old at a Hay-on-Wye care home has seen the company who ran it fined £2,400 for breaching two regulations under the Children’s Home Regulations 2002.

Jordan Woonton, from Nottinghamshire, died at Pentwyn School in June 2012 sparking an investigation.

It was found that Hillcrest Ltd had not undertaken the relevant Criminal Bureau checks and, at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Wednesday, the company admitted not having sufficient suitably skilled staff working at Pentwyn at all times.

The home closed later that year, and in October last year the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales commenced a prosecution case against Hillcrest for significant failures of care.

In a statement, CSSIW chief inspector Imelda Richardson said: “I extend my deepest sympathy to the family.

“Vulnerable children living in children’s homes should be well cared for and protected from harm –this includes making sure that there are enough staff available with sufficient skills and experience to make sure they are protected.

“The company admitted that there were insufficient staff with suitable skills and experience on duty the night Jordan died. Necessary visual checks on Jordan were not carried out.

“We are pleased also that the company pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 25 (1) and admitted that, in one case, they had not undertaken the relevant Criminal Records Bureau checks.

“Most care in children’s homes in Wales is good however if we do find serious breaches of regulations that put people at risk we will take action.”

Six charges were dropped ahead of Wednesday’s trial, but the company breached regulations 25 (1) and 26 (1).

Following the tragedy at Pentwyn, Hillcrest launched its own internal inquiry and in December closed the school – its only home in Wales.

In a statement, a Hillcrest spokesman said: “Following this tragic event, we rigorously reviewed every care, safety and wellbeing procedure in each of our homes to minimise the risk of something similar happening again.

“We welcome the conclusion of this trial, although we are still profoundly saddened by the death of a young man at Pentwyn School in June 2012.

“Once again we extend our deepest sympathies to the young man’s family.”

An inquest into Jordan’s death has been opened and adjourned by Powys coroner’s office.