ROBERT MORRISON NURSE FROM SUNDAYSIDE ROYAL HOSPITAL STRUCK OFF FOLLOWING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN ARBROATH
In December 2012, Robert Morrison, a former mental health nurse employed at Sunnyside Royal Hospital in Montrose, was formally struck off the nursing register following serious allegations and convictions related to sexual misconduct.Morrison, who had previously worked at the now-closed Sunnyside Royal facility, was convicted earlier this year at Arbroath Sheriff Court of lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices involving a young girl.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) confirmed its decision this week, stating that after Morrison’s conviction, which resulted in a three-year probation order and 240 hours of community service, detailed findings outlined his misconduct.
According to the NMC's conduct and competence committee, Mr.
Morrison had first met the girl, who was approximately 13 years old at the time, during a martial arts class he taught.
Between September 2001 and August 2008, Morrison is found to have exposed himself to the young girl on multiple occasions.
In addition, he took indecent photographs of her inside her bedroom in August 2006.
The panel noted that Morrison kept the camera containing the illicit images with him until his arrest three years later.
The NMC's findings also stated that Morrison’s actions singlehandedly damaged the reputation of the nursing profession.
It highlighted that the nurse showed no insight or remorse regarding his misconduct and failed to acknowledge the severity of his actions.
The conduct and competence committee emphasized that: "The panel notes that Mr.
Morrison has never acknowledged either the seriousness of his behaviour or how his actions have brought the reputation of the profession into disrepute." Furthermore, the panel underscored that his convictions—crimes committed against a vulnerable, young girl—are highly aggravating and making it impossible for him to continue practicing.
The committee concluded that Morrison’s behavior is fundamentally incompatible with that expected of a registered nurse, particularly given his trusted position.
As a result, the committee made the decisive order to remove Robert Morrison from the nursing register, citing the gravity of his convictions and misconduct as the primary reasons for this action.
