Rothwell care company in court after teenage boy drowns in lake

Umar Balogun, 16, drowned in West Norfolk beauty spot Bawsey Pits on July 16, 2013, after his carers failed to spot a sign saying swimming was prohibited.

Castle Homes, based at The Manor House, High Street, Rothwell, has been charged with failing to discharge a duty to ensure Umar was not exposed to risks to his health and safety.

No plea was indicated during the hearing.

Earlier today (Wednesday, March 9) Vanday Cawley, 49, of Hazel Croft, Werrington, near Peterborough, appeared at Kings Lynn Magistrates’ Court when she denied a charge of failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of the teenager.

A third defendant, Kevin Roweth, of Edinburgh Drive, Wisbech, was due to appear but did not attend the hearing.

Magistrates have issued a warrant for his arrest.

The case has been adjourned to April 6 at Norwich Crown Court for a plea and management hearing.