On 10 March David Askew, a 64-year-old man with learning difficulties, collapsed and died at his home in Manchester after ten years of “baiting” and “relentless bullying” by local youths. Neighbours claimed he had been “tormented to death.” He was called names by young people who threw eggs and bricks at his house, kicked the door and took his money and cigarettes. A postmortem examination is being held, and the coroner has pledged to “ensure that no stone remains unturned.” An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Police claim that they had tried to take measures to protect David. However, neighbours claim to have stopped complaining to them a year ago “because nothing gets done.” David’s death coincides with the announcement that 10 Leicestershire police officers are under investigation over the deaths of Francecca Hardwick (who had learning difficulties) and her mother Fiona Pilkington in September 2009 ( www.csie.org.uk/news ) after being bullied by neighbours. The inquest jury in this case found that police inaction contributed to their deaths, and that their calls for help had not been prioritized. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has commented that there is substantial work still left to do in this area.

Although the media give such incidents more column space than before, it is clear that institutionalised disablism is still inherent in our police and public services, despite Mencap’s call after the Leicestershire tragedy for hate crimes against disabled people to be treated as seriously as racist offences. A civilised society extends its respect and protection to all, on an equal basis. Likewise, the institutions of a civilised society – its systems of education, housing, leisure and employment – extend an invitation to all, with the result that people grow up with a mutual appreciation of each other and of the full range of human diversity. Without this, the tragedies of David and Francecca will be repeated. The conclusion has to be drawn that ours is not yet a civilised society.