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System failed 'Satan' crash pair System failed 'Satan' crash pair
(about 2 hours later)
The mental health system let down a mother and daughter and the mentally ill woman whose car killed them, a judge has said.The mental health system let down a mother and daughter and the mentally ill woman whose car killed them, a judge has said.
Gemma Montanaro, who thought Satan was at the wheel, was cleared of dangerous driving by reason of insanity.Gemma Montanaro, who thought Satan was at the wheel, was cleared of dangerous driving by reason of insanity.
Jane Malkin, 51, and Nicole Townshend, 24, died instantly on Saffron Lane, Leicester, in January 2007.Jane Malkin, 51, and Nicole Townshend, 24, died instantly on Saffron Lane, Leicester, in January 2007.
Ms Montanaro appeared before Leicester Crown Court to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.Ms Montanaro appeared before Leicester Crown Court to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
At her trial last year, the court heard Ms Montanaro was in the grip of schizophrenia at the time of the crash.At her trial last year, the court heard Ms Montanaro was in the grip of schizophrenia at the time of the crash.
The court was told psychiatrist Dr Susan Smith's recommendation that Ms Montanaro should be admitted to hospital was overridden by community health workers the day before the incident.The court was told psychiatrist Dr Susan Smith's recommendation that Ms Montanaro should be admitted to hospital was overridden by community health workers the day before the incident.
On Friday, the judge ruled she could be cared for in the community, but would be returned to a mental health unit if she became unwell again. Ms Montanaro has been let down and the families of the deceased have been let down by... a failure in the system Judge Michael Pert On Friday, the judge ruled she could be cared for in the community, but would be returned to a mental health unit if she became unwell again.
Ms Montanaro has been let down and the families of the deceased have been let down by... a failure in the system Judge Michael Pert
Judge Michael Pert said: "I have a public duty to have a concern because Ms Montanaro has been let down and the families of the deceased have been let down by, effectively, a failure in the system.Judge Michael Pert said: "I have a public duty to have a concern because Ms Montanaro has been let down and the families of the deceased have been let down by, effectively, a failure in the system.
"Dr Smith's recommendation was not followed. Under this system, the recommendation of the clinicians will be followed."Dr Smith's recommendation was not followed. Under this system, the recommendation of the clinicians will be followed.
"Dr Smith's care was without fault. She made a recommendation at the time, when Gemma Montanaro was desperately unwell, that was overridden and, as a result, two people died."Dr Smith's care was without fault. She made a recommendation at the time, when Gemma Montanaro was desperately unwell, that was overridden and, as a result, two people died.
"I have seen a document that passes as an NHS report on the circumstances. It does not strike me as satisfactory.""I have seen a document that passes as an NHS report on the circumstances. It does not strike me as satisfactory."
The trial heard before the collision, Ms Montanaro had been seen by witnesses driving on the wrong side of the road and through red lights at speeds of up to 70mph.The trial heard before the collision, Ms Montanaro had been seen by witnesses driving on the wrong side of the road and through red lights at speeds of up to 70mph.
Further action
Dr Jane Hoskyns, director of clinical practice for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said they had instigated a review of the care given to Montanaro.
"We are making sure we understand and learn all that we can from this profoundly regrettable event," she said.
"We shall support today's court decision by putting in place thorough and comprehensive arrangements for the future care of Gemma Montanaro and monitoring of her health.
"We also welcome the fact that NHS East Midlands is undertaking an additional investigation and, when their report becomes available, we will respond promptly to implement any further actions that might be required."