Carer is jailed for thumping and swearing at dementia patient, 92

A CARER who physically and verbally abused a 92-year-old woman with dementia has been jailed.

Tamara Springett was seen by other carers to punch the woman, slap her, and swear at her.

Swansea Crown Court heard the 59-year-old was ill-suited to the demanding role of a carer, and would lash out at the pensioner in frustration.

Jailing Springett, the judge was scathing about the attitude of managers at the firm where she worked, and the abuse only came to light because of “courageous” co-workers who blew the whistle.

Springett, 59, of Maesycoed, Cardigan, had previously been found guilty of ill-treatment while in the role of a carer when she appeared in the dock for sentencing.

The jury at her trial had heard that on one occasion Springett thumped the woman and told her she hoped she would fall over and break her neck. On another occasion she slapped her on her buttocks, and swore at her. She also grabbed her by the wrists, causing pain.

James Hartson, for Springett, said his client’s patient suffered from severe dementia, and could be violent and aggressive. He added his client had not been suited to such a demanding job, and had acted out of frustration.

Judge Geraint Walters said the dementia sufferer deserved to be treated with dignity, no matter how testing that could be for those caring for her.

He said: “Those who choose to be employed caring for others must ask themselves whether they are up to the job.”

Springett was months in prison. sentenced to six