"Malcolm was unable to speak, sit up, use his hands or help himself in any way. Malcolm was left unattended in a jacuzzi full of foaming water and was later found drowned by his so called ‘carer’. "

In July 1998 my son Malcolm, who had severe mental and physical disabilities and needed 24 hour care and support, drowned whilst in the care of Salford Social Services.

Despite a coroner finding neglect contributed to Malcolm’s death there has been no justice for Malcolm and no one in authority seems to be accountable for his needless death. Since Malcolm’s death I have discovered that there are many other parents and relatives like me who have experience this sort of tragedy.

Why should it be that the state places such low value on people who are perceived as less than perfect, people like Malcolm do not receive the same justice that most people take for granted.

When I saw the MacIntyre Undercover programme about the abuse in the Brompton Care Home in Kent I felt compelled to speak to the courageous undercover reporter who had exposed the serious abuse and neglect of the learning disabled residents who lived there. Along with 11,000 other viewers I called the programme help line.

I was flabbergasted when Donal MacIntyre personally returned my call! Donal has since been a constant support to me personally and a staunch believer in my efforts to set up a self help group for families like mine who the care system has failed dreadfully.

I delighted to hear that the Kent Police have apologised to him for their initial criticism of his programme. As a journalist Donal MacIntyre’s livelihood relies on his personal integrity and public credibility. I for one along with thousands of others never had doubts about either.