Care worker who stole pack of cigarettes from blind service user struck off

A care worker who stole a pack of cigarettes from a blind service user has been struck from the register.

Catherine Moffat stole the items while employed as a social care worker in Bathgate, West Lothian, on July 21, 2023.

She was later convicted of theft in October 2024 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

The Scottish Social Services Council considered Moffat’s fitness to practice following her conviction and said that, while the item was “not of high value”, her actions constituted an abuse of trust.

The SSSC noted in a report: “Despite pleading guilty and being convicted, you have continued to deny that you stole the cigarettes and have attempted to minimise your actions and place blame on the service user.

“You have failed to accept responsibility for your actions and have not expressed any empathy or understanding of the impact of your behaviour. You have provided no assurances that this behaviour will not be repeated in the future.”

The SSSC also noted the service user was “profoundly affected” by Moffat’s actions, which took advantage of their vulnerability.

Moffat was struck from the register, which came into effect on March 25, 2026.