Carer's career in ruins after biting autistic patient

Iteen Thomas had herself just been bitten by the 19-year-old, who was being assessed to see if he could be cared for in a less secure environment, a judge heard.

He had been at the house run by El Marsh Care in Brisbane Road, Smethwick, for less than a month when the incident occurred on October 2 2016, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

The teenager, who was known to punch and bite, was autistic, unable to communicate verbally, had other significant mental health issues and needed constant care from two staff.

Protective garments had been provided but these made him more violent, it was said.

For no apparent reason he took a particular dislike to the 57-year-old defendant who was a support worker with previous experience of coping with challenging residents but was still on the minimum wage despite having a social welfare degree, the court heard.

She was assigned to his care and was helping her colleague while his meal was being prepared because he tried had a habit of trying to snatch food while it was being cooked, said Miss Fiona Cortese, prosecuting.

Investigation

Thomas, who had been a carer for eight years, was sweeping the floor and held the plastic brush in front of her, accidentally hitting him on the head, as he moved towards the food then he lunged at her, the court heard.

He bit her on the arm and pinched her, she then bit him on the shoulder before her colleague intervened, the judge was told.

“He lunged at the defendant, taking hold of her hoodie top and bust area,” continued the prosecutor. He bit her on the arm and pinched her. She then bit him on the shoulder before her colleague intervened and told her to go to the staff room,” said Miss Fiona Cortese, prosecuting.

The teenager was moved to specialist in patient care soon after the incident which prompted a police investigation.

Thomas, of previous good character and from Beakes Road, Smethwick, pleaded guilty to ill-treating a person she was caring for and was given a 12-month community order with 120 hours unpaid work.

Judge John Wait told her: “He showed particular antipathy towards you and this took place during meal preparation when it was known he could interfere in a way that put him in danger.

“In the course of inappropriately using the broom to fend him off, he was caught on the head by the handle causing a sudden flare up during which you behaved contrary to the criminal law and, having been bitten, bit him.

"His behaviour could not be coped with in the house and he was moved at a later date but this unhappy case has destroyed your hopes of continuing in the care industry.”