A CARE worker has been struck off after admitting striking an elderly man in the stomach and buttocks.

Janet Hyland from Jedburgh also told a colleague at Knowesouth Care Centre that she 'slapped his a*** as he deserved it' on the same date of August 2, 2018.

At a hearing of the Scottish Social Services Council Mrs Hyland also admitted failing to report or record a previous incident where she was head-butted.

Knowesouth Care Centre, between Jedburgh and Denholm, provides residential care for the elderly who are suffering from dementia.

Although the hearing was told that Mrs Hyland had a previously good record within the care sector, the panel decided to strike her name from the register.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Social Services said: "Your actions amount to physical abuse and placed a vulnerable resident at risk of both physical and emotional harm.

"Furthermore, your actions indicate a disregard for the safety and dignity of that resident and fall short of the standards expected of social services worker.

"The care provided fell well below these expected standards.

"The resident concerned had limited communication abilities and this therefore may be seen as an abuse of the position you were in.

"Behaviour of this nature is considered to be very serious."