A DAMNING report has criticised council chiefs for failing to fully investigate an alleged sexual assault on a girl in a care home.

The mother of Ruth Davis claimed her daughter, who suffers from Down's syndrome, was sexually assaulted while in an NHS respite facility, in March 2002.

Now her complaint has been upheld by the Ombudsman's report, which has also recommended Bromley Council pay £5,000 compensation.

Mrs Davis alleged her daughter was subjected to a sexual assault, which has left her traumatised and unable to interact fully with others.

She claimed her initial complaint was not investigated thoroughly at the time and has since proved difficult to substantiate as a result.

Mrs Davis also says the lack of adequate care meant she had to look after her daughter, at a time when she was caring for her terminally-ill husband.

The report slammed the way the complaint was dealt with by the council and pointed to a lack of communication between Ruth Davis' carers and her family.

The Ombudsman concluded by finding Bromley Council guilty of maladministration causing injustice.

It recommended £5,000 damages be paid to Mrs Davis.

Bromley Council says it is considering the report and will present a full response "in due course".

A social services spokesman said: "We accept there were serious delays in undertaking and completing a care assessment plan for Ruth Davis.

"The department has, however, provided the resources to fund ongoing care and support for her throughout and continues to work with the family on this."

The Davis family names are not those of the people involved but are those used in the Ombudsman's report to protect the identities of those involved.