A social worker has been struck off by the Scottish Social Services Council for using lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour towards a child under their care.
Stephen Thomson committed the historic offences between August 1, 2000 and February 28, 2001, both dates inclusive, within a car at Dundonald Castle car park – and at various lay-bys within the Bishopton, Inverclyde and the West Dumbartonshire areas.
Thomson, whose town of employment is Ipswich, was convicted for the offences back in February at Paisley Sheriff Court.
Now the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) has stepped in to remove Thomson’s name from the register, deeming his fitness to practise “impaired” because of his conviction.
In their notice of decision the SSSC said: “Social workers are expected to protect the vulnerable young people in their care from any harm and to maintain the fundamental relationship of trust between worker and service user.
“The conduct leading to your (Thomson’s) conviction shows a sustained level of serious grooming and predatory behaviour. It is repeated emotional, physical and sexual abuse of a minor and would likely have caused the most serious emotional and psychological harm.”
Their report continues: “The young person had the right to trust you as a social worker. Your conduct was a grave and significant abuse of that trust, and of your position of power. It is fundamentally incompatible with professional registration as a social worker.”
Although Thomson’s conviction was “very recent” and the behaviour “historic” Thomson, is was said, had shown “no insight, remorse or remediation.”
The SSSC stated in their decision: “The very nature of your behaviour, despite the passage of time, suggests underlying and highly concerning attitudinal and values issues. We consider there is a risk of repeat of the behaviour, which would risk extremely serious harm to vulnerable young people.
“There are therefore current and serious public protection and public interest concerns that need to be addressed.”
In addition, the SSSC described Thomson’s behaviour as “deliberate and premeditated,” they said there was a “pattern of sustained grooming and predatory conduct,” and he risked “physical, sexual, emotional and psychological harm” to his victim, known only as ‘AA’ to protect their identify.
The SSSC added: “A Suspension Order would not be appropriate because your behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with continuing registration. The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession.”
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