‘It’s like torture’ – Patient with autism fears for his safety in mental health units

People with autism and learning difficulties should be moved from institutions into the community, the government promised a decade ago. Yet tonight – in a joint investigation with the Independent newspaper, this programme can reveal the shocking treatment of a 28-year-old man who has now been locked up for more than 10 years.

Nicholas Thornton, who has autism and a learning disability, has been abused physically and verbally.  One nurse even tried to suffocate him.  Nicholas is currently in a mental health unit despite having no mental health diagnosis.

And a warning that this report contains distressing images.