Social worker struck off after knife attack

A social worker in Wales has been struck off the register following his conviction and four year imprisonment for wounding with intent during a domestic argument in March of this year.

The Care Council for Wales’s conduct committee noted that the victim had presented no threat to Kim Anthony Pugh, yet Pugh still attacked him with a knife. This called into question whether Pugh had the potential to behave in a similarly unprovoked and extremely violent manner towards service users who would, at times, present very challenging behaviours, the committee said.

Pugh had been a social worker since October 2005 and was employed as a mental health first aid project manager by Mind Cymru.

He did not attend the hearing nor did he provide any references. However, the conduct committee noted that Mind Cymru continued to employ him after his conviction, supported him through the trial and was hopeful he could still return to work, showing his employer had a high regard for him.

Despite this, the conduct committee felt Pugh should be struck off owing to the seriousness of the attack, which had resulted in injuries requiring hospitalisation, and the fact he had consistently maintained a version of events found to be untrue during his trial.

Mind Cymru said it was aware of the situation and undertook a full risk assessment prior to retaining Pugh after his conviction.