A bereaved Maldon mum has spoken of her mixed feelings after an Essex mental health trust pleaded guilty in a prosecution over safety.

Just days before the eighth anniversary of Matthew Leahy's death at The Linden Centre, Chelmsford, Melanie Leahy, who lives in Maldon, stood outside Chelmsford Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday, 12 November) with other bereaved families who are campaigning for a full statutory public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding their loved ones' deaths. Matthew was aged 21 when he died.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution is being brought against Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), the trust with responsibility for the Linden Centre and other mental health provision across the county. The prosecution relates to ligature points accessible to patients.

Melanie said: "Sunday marks eight years since Matthew's passing and I find myself still fighting for the truth of what truly happened to my son during his short seven-day stay at the Linden Centre.

"Where the latest Health and Safety prosecution is concerned I am pleased that despite so much delay, criminal charges are being brought - as finally at least one of the concerns that I have been repeatedly been raising has been listened to and action taken.

"I'm pleased that the trust has pleaded guilty, but also very concerned that a lot of important evidence which would otherwise have come to light will now be kept hidden.

"I very much hope that when it comes to sentencing the Judge will keep in mind the seriousness of the consequences of the trust's failings. On a positive note the first "baby step" towards getting some degree of accountability is finally being taken, which is good.

Melanie added: "The focus now continues for truth, justice and change – and the only forum that can achieve this is a statutory public inquiry.

"Every investigation to date has been piecemeal and fragmented and there is no evidence of anything improving on any level.

"I have multiple families now joining my campaign and we now desperately need to find out exactly what went on in each of the very sad cases as it is only when we know that that we can look at how and why so many vulnerable people have been so spectacularly failed.

"Only then can we take steps to effect change.

"Again the only forum for the in depth and comprehensive investigation needed is a Statutory Public Inquiry - we need all the individuals involved to be called to account and to give their evidence on oath."

In a short statement following yesterday's hearing, Paul Scott, EPUT Chief Executive, said: "We have today entered a guilty plea to one charge under Section 3(1) Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following an HSE investigation into the former North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families whose loved ones were part of this investigation.

"We are unable to comment further at this stage of the legal process."

The penalty for the safety failing will be decided at a later date at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Meanwhile, Melanie is appealing for other families to come forward.

She added: "If any families, bereaved or survivors, staff or others who have been failed or know of failings within the community or inpatient care of Essex Mental Health Services, I urge them to get in touch with my solicitors at Hodge, Jones, Allen."

Anyone interested in getting in touch with Melanie and her campaign can find more information on the campaign website here.