A WOMAN from Cumbria has been sentenced for assaulting a care home resident with Down Syndrome.

Mary Susan Torley, 60, of Guard Street, Workington, appeared at West Allerdale Magistrates' Court yesterday, after being found guilty of assault by beating a vulnerable person in her care. She was sentenced to an electronically monitored curfew (7am – 7pm for 12 weeks), £620 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Torley worked at a private care facility on Windmill Close, Cockermouth (which has since closed), as a carer for three vulnerable adults.

During her work on October 28th of last year, she used excessive force to drag by her clothing, against her will, a 54-year-old female resident of the care home that suffers from Down Syndrome and onset dementia. This caused the woman to fall.

A co-worker in the home witnessed the incident and reported it to police.

Detective Constable Paul Scougal said: “I’d like to express my gratitude to the witness that bravely came forward to report the incident and behaviour of a colleague, which has led to successful prosecution.

“Protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities is a top priority for Cumbria Constabulary, and we will not tolerate such behaviour from those trusted to care for these individuals.

“Anyone who is concerned about the treatment of residents in a care home can contact the police, or adult social care, and it will be investigated sensitively and professionally.”