Care worker who sexually abused resident struck off

A support worker who sexually abused a vulnerable resident at a Dundee care home has been struck off the register.

Lewis Collings was jailed after he was caught with his trousers down at the woman’s bedside.

Collings denied any wrongdoing, but was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with his victim by exposing himself to her at the home on May 13, 2018.

At Dundee Sheriff Court last December, Collings was sentenced to three years in jail with an additional year to be served on licence in the community.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

The offence was committed while Collings was supposed to be providing care for his victim.

Removing him from the care register on Friday, a Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) panel branded his behaviour “sexually exploitative and abusive” and stated it would have placed the service user “at real risk of harm”.

The SSSC ruled: “Your behaviour is extremely serious.

“It amounts to a substantial misuse of your power and position and gives rise to significant concerns regarding your attitude and values.

“You have shown no insight or remorse for your behaviour and have, instead, placed some blame on your victim.

“There is a real risk that the behaviour would be repeated if you were to return to the sector.”

The panel added that the behaviour was “opportunistic and exploitative” as Collings waited until he was alone with the resident.

The SSSC highlighted that Collings had cooperated with their investigation, but concluded that a removal order was the “most appropriate sanction” to protect the public and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession.