Carer sentenced for assaulting client

A statement from Wessex CPS said Alison Scrase, 28, from Pulborough, was convicted of common assault and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with £250 compensation and £300 costs.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard that the incident happened at a pub in Langley, Southampton on May 7 this year.

“Alison Scrase was employed by Pathway Healthcare in West Sussex as a support worker from December 2014 and was working at a home for adults with complex needs, challenging behaviours and learning difficulties,” said the CPS statement.

“The victim in this case has autism, learning difficulties and mobility disabilities. She receives one-to-one care and support to meet her needs.

“It was planned that she would go for a day out with her carer as a holiday, and her parents had given Alison Scrase money to take their daughter out for a meal.

“Shortly after arriving at the pub, two women witnessed Alison Scrase shouting abuse at the victim when she tried to express herself and then punch her arm.”

Following the conviction, James Burnham, hate crime co-ordinator for Wessex CPS, said: “Alison Scrase’s job was to care for the young woman under her charge. Instead, she verbally and physically abused her in an appalling breach of trust.

“CPS considered the evidence in this case in line with our disability hate crime policy. Alison Scrase hurled abuse at the victim when she became irritated with the young woman which was a demonstration of hostility towards the victim’s disability.

“For these reasons, the CPS prosecuted this as a disability hate crime.

“We would like to thank the witnesses who reported this crime. Tackling disability hate crime is a priority for the CPS and without their evidence, a prosecution would not have been possible.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.