Carer receives four-year warning after attacks on woman who had pressure applied to eye sockets

A care assistant has received a four-year warning following violent attacks on a woman – which included applying pressure to her eye sockets.

Although Peter Morrison’s behaviour was deemed “very serious”, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) said the assaults occurred outside his work and there was “nothing to suggest” he had acted similarly during his employment.

Fife Council also provided a “very positive reference” regarding the Glenrothes support worker’s conduct within the workplace.

Morrison was convicted at Dunfermline Sheriff Court in 2021.

During one assault in September 2018, he grabbed the woman, pushed her on to a sofa and applied pressure to her head and eye socket.

Between February and May 2021, he abused the same woman by pushing her on to a couch, applied pressure to her body using his elbow, and applied pressure to her head and eye sockets using his hands.

He also attempted to throw a phone at her, made offensive remarks during a phone call and through repeated text messages, shouted, swore and repeatedly made threats towards her.

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The SSSC found Morrison’s fitness to practise impaired and placed a warning on his registration for four years.

The SSSC said that the pattern of serious behaviour “poses a real and serious risk of psychological, emotional and physical harm”.

The watchdog added: “Your actions call into question your suitability as a social services worker.”

The warning came into effect on 5 March.

The watchdog has imposed a number of conditions, including ordering Morrison to attend domestic abuse awareness training and conflict management training.

The SSSC said: “This should include a focus on managing emotions and responses in difficult situations.”

Morrison must also submit a reflective account on how his behaviour would have impacted on the woman and what he has learned about domestic abuse and the impact on victims.

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‘Your employer has provided you with a very positive reference’

The SSSC said Morrison had provided “very limited insight” to Fife Council but noted: “Although your behaviour is very serious, this occurred outwith work and there’s nothing to suggest you have demonstrated any similar behaviour during your role.

“Your employer has provided you with a very positive reference regarding your conduct within the workplace including relationships with service users and staff.

“Your employer has confirmed you thrive to ensure the needs of service users are met and adhere to the national care standards along with Fife Council policies and procedures.”

Fife Council has been contacted for comment.

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