TWO women have pleaded guilty to ordering staff to move the body of a dead man into a bed.

Lynda Johnson, who was the care home's manager at the time, and her deputy, Deborah Scrivens, both pleaded guilty to obstructing the coroner in relation to the death of 86-year-old resident Ronald Dean.

The offences took place at Lever Edge Care Home, in Lever Edge Lane, Bolton on January 9 last year.

The pair, alongside three other defendants, had been set to face trial for perverting the course of justice yesterday.

LIVE: Sentencing of care home bosses who told staff to put dead body in bed

However, the pair pleaded guilty to the new charge of obstructing the coroner at the last minute.

Johnson, aged 64, of Calf Hey Close, Radcliffe, admitted instructing staff to put Mr Dean's body back in his bed.

Scrivens, aged 44, of Hurstwood, Smithills, admitted instructing staff to put the body into the bed and assisting in the moving of the body as well as putting false information forward that Mr Dean had died in his sleep.

She also admitted that she failed to inform the family of his death.

Michelle Hayes, aged 50, of Roxalina Street, Bolton, Michelle Gilman, aged 45, of Moorby Walk, Bolton and Danielle Menzies, aged 24, of Glenbrook Gardens, Farnworth, were all also set to stand trial for perverting the course of justice but the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence in relation to these charges and the three women were released.

Members of Mr Dean's family gathered in the court yesterday to watch proceedings.

Colin Buckle, representing Scriven, and Alex Leach, representing Johnson, asked for sentencing to be adjourned for the probation service to speak to the two women. Victim's personal statements will also be prepared.

They will appear back before Bolton Crown Court to be sentenced today.

Lever Edge Care Home, run by Chesterfield-based Hill Care, is a purpose-built private residential home with space for 78 residents that also offers dementia care.

A spokesman for Hill Care said: "Our sincerest sympathies go to Ronald Dean’s family following his death on January 9 2016. We have offered our ongoing support to his family during this difficult period.

"Throughout inquiries into Mr. Dean’s death, we have worked closely with Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Council and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

"We’d like to reassure our residents and their loved ones of the safe and caring environment we provide at Lever Edge Care Home, as demonstrated by the recent, independent CQC inspection.

"The safety, care and comfort of our residents is our highest priority."