Two operators of children’s care homes have been fined more than £100,000 after being found guilty of running unregistered residential homes in Kent, marking the first criminal prosecution of its kind by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Davidson Lynch-Shyllon, 44, a musician and care home manager also known by his stage name Silvastone, and his business partner Miriam Ekhator, 47, pleaded guilty to ten charges of operating unregistered children’s homes. The offences involved housing nine children between 2022 and 2025, during which period their company, Catalyst Care, received over £1.8 million in placements fees from local councils in the Kent area.

At Croydon magistrates’ court in March, Lynch-Shyllon and Ekhator admitted the charges and were subsequently fined £92,400. They also face victim surcharges totaling £2,960 and legal costs of £17,250. Both were disqualified from managing or having any financial interest in children’s homes going forward.

Ofsted had repeatedly warned the operators about their failure to register the homes, a legal requirement to ensure proper regulation and oversight. Despite multiple letters, the company continued to run three properties without registration. Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said the ruling sends a clear message that operating outside legal frameworks will not be tolerated.

Catalyst Care describes itself as a private accommodation and support provider with over three decades of combined experience in social care. Prosecutors noted the company’s rapid financial growth, with turnover increasing from £190,000 in 2021 to £955,000 in 2024. Both Lynch-Shyllon and Ekhator reportedly received dividends of £193,000 each during the period covered by the charges.

During sentencing, prosecution lawyer Daisy Wrigley expressed concern over the unclear use of the £1.8 million in council funds. Defense lawyer Musa Raji acknowledged the financial collapse suffered by the pair, noting that Ekhator is currently reliant on universal credit and Lynch-Shyllon earns approximately £1,500 a month, supplemented occasionally by music-related income. Raji also said the company’s fees charged to councils were standard for children with complex needs, with some cases requiring multiple carers.

Judge Sushil Kumar recognized that both defendants had good character and had received positive references from children and families in their care. However, a local resident living next to one of the homes described the operators as a “nuisance,” citing frequent late-night activity and loud disturbances.

In response to the ruling, Lynch-Shyllon said they had made attempts to register the homes with Ofsted, but claimed follow-ups from the regulator had been lacking for nearly two years. He also stated that Medway council provided written confirmation allowing the care of young people for up to 28 days, which they believed meant their operation was permitted. He denied any intent to defraud or misuse public funds and expressed frustration at being “thrown under the bus” by local authorities.

Ofsted confirmed Catalyst Care had submitted incomplete registration applications in 2023 and 2025. Medway council, which contracted with the company from 2021 to 2022, said it repeatedly advised Catalyst Care to complete registration with Ofsted but that these warnings were not heeded.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring proper regulatory compliance among private children’s care providers and the financial accountability of services funded through public channels.