Social work failings led to Troon mum's murder

The decision to close Sharon Greenop's care package was "flawed" and allowed the circumstances to develop that ultimately led to her death.

Prior to her death, Sharon received a community care package from social work services within the South Ayrshire Health and Social care Partnership. This care package was later closed but it was found that it was one case of hundreds that were not met by a mandatory annual review.

This, along with other points were noted as "failings" which prevented an appropriate intervention from the social work body and could have prevented her abuse and eventual death.

46-year-old Sharon was murdered by her sister Lynette Greenop who was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years in prison last year. The High Court Court in Glasgow found Sharon had been victim of abuse and neglect.

Lynette Greenop

The report also noted that record-keeping was extremely poor and hampered by outdated information systems, meaning there was insufficient information about Sharon's care and wellbeing and it was difficult to manage her case effectively.

Sharon's sister Diane Hogg believes she may still be alive if the correct procedures were followed. Diane said: "It’s been two and a half years since the brutal murder of my sister Sharon Greenop at the hands of her younger sibling Lynette, a year since the trial and conviction of her murderer.

I questioned the continuity of care and the system which should have protected Sharon. As the review was progressing and urgent recommendations were being administered, I knew that other areas would take time to change.

"So, with hindsight maybe understanding and insight, looking at the past mistakes it could prevent another family from undergoing the same traumatic experience. Hopefully these lessons can and will be learned.

Although I have answers it still leaves an undeniable feeling within myself that just maybe my sister would still be alive if protocols and policies had been followed."