Pensioner with Alzheimer's 'padlocked in his onesie' by partner, court hears

Social workers raised concerns over the claims

Confronting the autumn years: how can the elderly live well? (Getty Images)

A pensioner suffering from Alzheimer’s was padlocked into his onesie by his partner, a judge has heard.

Social workers raised concerns after the woman, in her 50s, “fashioned” the all-in-one suit so a padlock could be used to stop it being unzipped, Judge Denzil Lush was told.

Detail emerged in a ruling by the judge after a hearing in London at the Court of Protection, where issues relating to sick and vulnerable people are analysed.

An official from the Office of the Public Guardian - which protects and helps people who do not have the mental capacity to make decisions - told the judge about the onesie.

She said the approach adopted by the woman was “certainly unusual” and had been a “cause of concern for local authority services”.

Judge Lush had been asked to analyse a legal issue relating to the man's son, who had been given authority to manage his father's financial affairs.

He made no criticism of the woman in his ruling. He said she dressed the man, who lived at his home with the woman, in the onesie “on medical advice”.

PA