CAMPAIGNING mother Brenda Rowley is backing a major campaign to create new legislation to protect vulnerable adults in care.

The crusade for a Care Home Assault Law is spear-headed by TV investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre, a patron of the Astley-based Malcolm Rowley Trust.

Malcolm, 30, who had the physical capabilities of a nine-months-old baby, died five years ago after he was left unattended in a bath and drowned at a Salford Council care home

Brenda, who has since been unrelenting in her fight for justice for her son, attended a London seminar of learning disabled groups, professionals and legal experts in the disabilities sector when they voted unanimously in favour of a new criminal law to protect the elderly and disabled from institutional neglect.

The event came as a result of Channel Five TV's two-part series investigating standards at care homes for the elderly and learning disabled.

MacIntyre UK Undercover: Who Cares for Granny? was transmitted on Friday, October 10 and was followed by MacIntyre UK Undercover: Who Cares for Gary? on Sunday, December 21, which featured Malcolm's story.

Brenda said: "When watching the documentary I was outraged to learn that taking food from a client's fridge is gross misconduct, with the care worker facing possible disciplinary action.

"Yet the two care workers who left Malcolm unattended have been cleared of any wrong doing, have faced no disciplinary action and carry on working for social services. Surely this cannot be accepted as just.

"After suffering horrific abuse Gary was courageous and strong enough to speak out and make his voice heard. I met him last week, he is a fine young man who now has the quality of life he deserves.

"Sadly there is no happy ending for Malcolm, he could not speak out. For him there is no life."