PERTHSHIRE CARE WORKER BANISHED FROM SECTOR AFTER ASSAULTING VULNERABLE RESIDENTS
Graeme Stuart, a Perthshire-based care worker, has been officially removed from the social care sector following a series of serious assaults on residents with learning disabilities.Stuart, who previously worked as a senior support worker at the Corbenic Camphill Community near Dunkeld, was found guilty at Perth Sheriff Court in April of acting aggressively towards a woman and forcibly administering medication to a man.
This removal was conducted by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), citing concerns that his behavior could recur.
The incidents came to light after two German volunteers observed Stuart's inappropriate conduct, including losing his temper when a resident made an obscene gesture in September 2020.
Further allegations revealed that Stuart assaulted a female resident by restraining her and shouting at her repeatedly, while also attacking a male resident by seizing his head and forcing medication into his mouth during December 2020 and January 2021.
Stuart was fined £1,500 for these actions.
The SSSC emphasized that as a social care worker, Stuart abused the trust placed in him.
The council’s decision letter stated, “They must not abuse the trust of people who use services.
You have, during the course of your employment, physically assaulted two separate residents.
This behaviour amounts to physical abuse of two vulnerable people that you were trusted to care for.
You were in a position of trust as a social care worker and you have abused that trust by carrying out the assaults.” The watchdog highlighted the risk of future misconduct, leading to his removal from the register, underlining the importance of safeguarding in the sector.
