Neglect charges withdrawn as Integrity Care director pleads guilty to reckless conduct

Criminal neglect allegations against the two former co-directors of Integrity Care SA have been dropped. Amy June Collins, 46, pleaded guilty to a category-one reckless conduct charge, the most serious breach under the Work Health and Safety Act, for conduct that exposed Ann Marie Smith to a risk of serious injury while she was under the provider's care in early 2020. Alison Maree Virgo, 45, had all criminal neglect and reckless conduct charges withdrawn.

The victim, Ann Marie Smith, a 54-year-old Adelaide woman with cerebral palsy, died in April 2020 from malnutrition and related complications while confined to a cane chair. The court noted failures to conduct annual health assessments and to provide her carer with written guidance on her condition. Collins faces up to five years in prison and will appear for a pre-sentence hearing in the coming weeks. Earlier, the company's own criminal neglect and health-safety charges were dismissed after the firm was deregistered.