An Aberdeen care worker has been given a six months’ suspension order for poking a resident on the shoulder and twisting their finger.

A Scottish Social Services Council issued the sanction to Gabriel David who was as care assistant at Caring Homes when the incident took place on 19 June 2023.

A resident of the care home told the panel that David had poked them on the shoulder three or four times after they had made a joke about him not responding when they asked for assistance.

The resident said David then pointed a finger in their face. He then grabbed the resident’s finger and twisted it, the panel heard.

In issuing a six months suspension order, the panel commented: “A suspension order would be appropriate as the conduct was serious, a marked departure from the code and there is a risk of harm should the conduct be repeated.

“A suspension order sends a message to the worker, the profession and the public about behaviour that is not appropriate for a social services worker. The panel considered that a period of six months would be an appropriate period of suspension in all the circumstances and having regard to the level of seriousness of the conduct.”

A Caring Homes spokesperson said: “As soon as the allegation came to our attention, the company acted promptly and robustly, immediately suspending and subsequently dismissing Mr David from our employment. The wellbeing, care, and safety of all of our residents will always be our priority.”