Shamed care assistant could be struck off

He attacked his girlfriend’s father after argument

A care assistant could be struck off after he was convicted of attacking his girlfriend’s father.

Joseph Smyth was sacked from his role at a BUPA care home in Paisley last year over the rammy, but now faces being barred from the profession.

The 25-year-old lost the plot following an argument with girlfriend Megan Slattery, 21, at South Candren Farm, Blackstoun Road, Paisley, in April 2015.

When her father, 47-year-old Thomas Slattery, attempted to pacify him as he enquired about their troubles, Smyth lashed out angrily, placed him in a headlock and pulled him to the floor.

Smyth – who also boasts of being a wrestler on his Facebook page – is now being hauled before the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) who will decide if he is still fit to practise.

At a trial at Paisley Sheriff Court on January 5, 2016, Smyth denied assaulting Mr Slattery, 47, but was found guilty by Sheriff Colin Pettigrew.

He pleaded guilty to a second charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause fear and alarm by shouting, swearing, uttering threats of violence, punching a mirror and placing Ms Slattery in a state of fear and alarm for her safety.

He will appear at an SSSC hearing on May 19 accused of being convicted of assault to injury and acting in a threatening and abusive manner and failing to inform the care watchdog.

Smyth, of Hillview, Elderslie, is also accused of failing to tell the SSSC that he had been removed from his job at the BUPA care home as a result of his conviction.

The panel could impose a range of sanctions on Smyth, including banning him from working with vulnerable people.

Sheriff Pettigrew fined him £150 on the threats charge and ordered him to complete 80 hours of unpaid work in place of a £400 fine for the assault.

The court had previously heard that Mr Slattery suffered an injured shoulder and damaged knee during the incident.