The son-in-law of alleged elder abuse victim "Auntie Em" told a court yesterday that family discussions about how best to care for the frail widow led her nephew to state that there would be "trouble".

Patrick Hayward Sr. of Cox's Hill, Pembroke, said meetings about the issue took place in late 2006 at the home in Upland Street, Devonshire, where Wilhelmina Liburd lived with him, her adopted daughter Rosamund, two grandchildren and a great grandchild.

The Royal Gazette revealed more than a year ago how near-blind Auntie Em was removed from that property soon after due to unfit living conditions, and taken in by nursing assistant Yvonne Dawson.

The 96-year-old, who had part of her leg amputated due to gangrene last year, allegedly suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of Mrs. Hayward.

A civil trial brought by Ms Dawson against Mrs. Hayward, whom she claims owes her $25,000 for caregiving services, resumed yesterday before Magistrate Tyrone Chin.

The court heard that the meetings at Upland Street were attended by Mrs. Liburd's nephew Stephen Woodley who, claimed Mr. Hayward, obtained his aunt's power of attorney while the relatives she lived with were off the Island.

Mr. Hayward, giving evidence, said Mr. Woodley hired Ms Dawson to look after Mrs. Liburd at home but he and his wife would have preferred to send her to daycare at a local care home.

He said he stayed out of one meeting in Mrs. Liburd's bedroom after Ms Dawson was hired but got involved when it "got loud in the room".

"I walked in the room and made it loud and clear to Mr. Woodley that he has not been here for the many years," said Mr. Hayward. "I said I don't like how you are treating Mrs. Hayward and made it look like she has not been faithful to take care of Mom Liburd.

"I said 'I have been here for Mrs. Liburd and we are the ones who have taken care of her and made sure she gets where she wanted to go and so you'll just come and all of a sudden she's been neglected'."

Mr. Hayward said Mr. Woodley was quizzed about the power of attorney and said he had it because he thought it was necessary.

"We questioned what was the necessary reason for him to have it," said Mr. Hayward. "He said 'no reason'. Then Rosa's mother apologised to Rosamund for not letting her know about it."

Mr. Hayward said the meeting was taken outside of the bedroom after which "Mr. Woodley came out and stated to me from what just took place in the room there is going to be trouble from this point on".

Mrs. Liburd has never returned to Upland Street and is now at the Continuing Care Unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The case continues.