Drunk care worker had ‘no memory’ of assault on resident

A RESIDENTIAL care worker was so drunk on the job that when she struck a “vulnerable” resident she had no memory of what happened, a court heard.

Caroline McMullan was working at supported accommodation when she hit a female “service user”, Coleraine Magistrates Court was told yesterday.

McMullan (52), of Ramoan Court, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, appeared in the dock and admitted a charge of common assault on November 19 this year.

On the same date she assaulted a police officer who was called to the scene. McMullan also pleaded guilty to that charge.

A prosecutor said police were called to premises in Ballymoney after a report of an assault “on a vulnerable female resident”, adding that a witness said an “intoxicated co-worker” had struck the victim, who was sobbing and “highly distressed”. Former care worker Caroline McMullan leaving court after she received a conditional discharge yesterday

McMullan had to be handcuffed by police who took her to Coleraine PSNI Station.

A defence solicitor said the assault on the resident involved “three back-handed connections to a thigh” and said no injury was caused and that McMullan later kicked a police officer.

He said his client had a previously clear record but “for reasons unbeknown to herself she decided to drink while working”.

The lawyer said the defendant had been working long shifts.

The solicitor said McMullan had been sitting beside a service user when the incident happened and added: “There were no injuries. It was more of an admonishment as opposed to a physical assault.”

He added his client “had no memory whatsoever” of the incident, but was pleading guilty.

District Judge Liam McNally imposed a two year conditional discharge on the defendant and ordered her to pay £75 compensation to both assault victims.