GSCC strikes off worker for sexual abuse

A support worker who molested three disabled boys at a respite centre in the 1980s has been struck off the social care register.

David Morris was working for Wirral Social Services at the centre between 1981 and 1992 when he was involved in the personal care of the boys, all of whom had physical and learning disabilities and were there on a residential basis.

While carrying out his duties Morris touched the boys in an inappropriate and sexually motivated manner, a General Social Care Council conduct committee found.

Two of the victims, known as A and B, spoke out after a chance meeting with Morris in 2004 prompted memories of the abuse.

Both boys were distressed for some days after the meeting, but it was only when A became agitated when watching a TV drama with a theme of abuse suffered by a young person with learning disabilities that his mother questioned him and learned the truth.

A’s mother contacted the police and social services department in May 2004, and Morris was subsequently suspended and arrested. He denied any improper contact with the boys.

However, a third boy, known as C, revealed he too had suffered abuse at the hands of Morris when a police officer and social worker showed him a photograph of the respite centre.

The conduct committee found that the allegations against Morris were proven, based on statements and accounts given in interviews with A, B and C, who did not attend the hearing in person.

Morris had taken advantage of his position of trust for his own sexual gratification, the committee concluded. He had demonstrated a lack of insight into his behaviour by denying any wrongdoing when interviewed by the police and his employer, and during the conduct hearing.

Morris has consistently denied the allegations, to the police, and to the GSCC.

The committee said: “Removal from the register was the only proportionate sanction in the light of the seriousness of the misconduct, the nature of the victims, the number of times that Mr Morris abused them and his lack of insight into his own behaviour.”

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