Care worker struck off for repeat assaults

Adult with additional support needs had his fingers bent back

A care worker who repeatedly assaulted an adult with additional support needs as a means of calming them has been struck off.

Andrew Robertson bent his victim’s fingers back, causing “fear, distress and alarm” and putting them at risk of “physical and emotional harm”.

He was working at the Corbenic Camphill Community near Dunkeld when the offences came to light, prompting a probe and his dismissal.

Mr Robertson’s employers reported him to the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), which ruled he posed a danger to anyone in his care as a result of his inability to grasp what he had done wrong.

The SSSC told Robertson: “Social service workers are trusted to care for the most vulnerable members of society.

“They must protect them from harm and not abuse, neglect or harm them.

“You do not appear to acknowledge why your behaviour is wrong.

“This shows a concerning lack of insight and reflection.”

“There is little evidence that you acknowledge your failings and the pattern of behaviour and lack of insight suggest the behaviour is likely to be repeated. There is no evidence therefore that a period of suspension would allow you to remedy the cause of the impairment of your behaviour.”

Corbenic general manager Colum Pooler said: “This was an isolated incident, which we wholly regret, and is entirely out of character with the usual high-quality standard of support we provide.”

Mr Robertson could not be contacted for comment.