The owners of a Bray nursing home have been fined €2,000 at Bray District Court after an elderly woman in their care went missing. 

Paul and Anne Costello, the owners of the Tara Care Centre on Putland Road in Bray, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to breaching nursing home regulations.

Ms Reynolds, who was suffering from Alzheimer's, disappeared from the nursing home on Christmas night 2005 after returning from holiday celebrations with her family.

Speaking after today's verdict, Maura Reynolds' daughter-in-law, Priscilla, said that the family is looking forward to seeing new legislation which will govern nursing homes.

She said that the current legislation in no way reflects the seriousness of elderly neglect. 

Mr Costello made no comment leaving the courtroom. In today's ruling costs totalling €2,500 were awarded against the couple. The case was brought by the HSE. 

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