CARER JAILED FOR SHOCKING ASSAULT ON ELDERLY DEMENTIA PATIENT
An elderly dementia sufferer was shaken by the hair by a care worker in a shocking assault.A court heard Michelle Goodwin, assaulted the 81-year-old woman, at the Cherry Tree care home in Coedpoeth, Wrexham, on Boxing Day 2023.
William Griffin, prosecuting, said around 4pm the victim, who has advanced dementia, was moved from the care home's lounge to the dining room to have a meal, assisted by another carer.
She was directed to a chair, but as the carer turned to leave the room, she heard a scream and turned back to see Goodwin with her hands on the right side of the victim's head "pulling her head from side to side".
She then shoved the victim into a chair.
The home's management were told about the incident and Goodwin was suspended, with photos taken of bruising suffered by the victim.
Goodwin was interviewed but denied the assault.
The court was read a statement by a family member of the victim who said when they found out about the incident it made them feel "physically sick".
The victim was taken to hospital and had to be sedated for an MRI scan.
She also had to be moved to a different care home.
Goodwin, 55, of Heol Celyn, Coedpoeth, Wrexham, denied one charge of assault occasioning bodily harm, but was convicted after a trial and was sentenced at Mold Crown Court today, August 26, reports NorthWalesLive.
Defending Oliver King said Goodwin still denied the assault.
She had never been in trouble before.
She immediately got a job working in a supermarket after.
Goodwin had worked as a carer for years in a job she loved doing, which she was now barred from, with no suggestion she had ever lost her temper with a resident before or since.
He said this was an impulsive and short lived offence, and Goodwin was not somebody who posed a risk to the community.
Mr King suggested a community order could be imposed, so she could be punished in the community rather than going to prison.
However Recorder Neal Owen-Casey disagreed.
He said Goodwin's continued denial of the assault and "lack of insight" meant she could not be rehabilitated in the community.
Recorder Owen-Casey said: "On December 26 2023, not only did you abuse the trust placed in you and your ability as a carer, you acted without any consideration to your victim, displaying unkindness towards her and showed no compassion at all." He added: "Only you know whey you acted in this way and why you have not been able to admit the assault." Recorder Owen-Casey sentenced Goodwin to 13 months in prison.
She must also pay a statutory surcharge.
