Support for disabled Carlisle man that social worker wanted arrested

By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 10:03, Friday, 16 October 2009

The family of an autistic Carlisle man whose treatment sparked a Social Services investigation has been flooded with messages of support.

Ian, left and Alan Air

Ian Air, 49, is now being cared for within a specialist clinic of the Carleton Clinic psychiatric hospital in Carlisle.

He was in the news last week after he became distressed and lashed out at one of his carers at a home near Carlisle.

Ian, who has the mental age of a toddler, was suffering feelings of grief after moving from the home he had always shared with his elderly parents. In distress, he had hit out at a carer, prompting a social worker to suggest that he should be arrested.

Ian’s twin brother Alan, who praised women police constables Fiona Rawes and Susan Jamieson for refusing to act on the suggestion, told how he felt he had no other choice than to take him home.

He said yesterday: “I’ve now written a letter to Cumbria’s chief constable pointing out that he has some excellent officers in the force.

“The two women officers who dealt with the situation involving Ian showed compassion and common sense.”

Mr Air said his brother was now being given excellent care by staff at the Carleton Clinic’s Edenwood Learning Disabilities Unit.

Alan, of St James Road, Carlisle, added: “He’ll remain there until they can find some appropriate accommodation for him.

“Hopefully, he’ll be able to go somewhere that will allow him to continue to have contact with the excellent front-line carers who have worked with him from the Glenmore Trust.

“Since the story appeared, I’ve had an overwhelming response from people who have sent messages of support by text, or emails.

“I’ve heard from people who are friends I haven’t heard from for years.

“One woman told me she was in tears when she read about what happened to Ian.

“It’s good to know that people care.”

First published at 05:21, Friday, 16 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk