News

Health secretary Alan Milburn has launched a high court battle to ban an east Kent social worker, who allegedly raped a girl in his care, from working with children.

A local authority disciplinary tribunal found the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, raped a 16-year-old at a children’s home where he worked in the 1990s.

His name was placed on the Consultancy Service Index, a list of people deemed unsuitable to work with children, but he launched a legal battle to have it removed, and he was backed by a Protection of Children Act Tribunal earlier this year.

Philip Coppel, acting for Milburn, attacked the tribunal’s decision, branding it "irrational" and "perverse". He asked judge Mr Justice Scott Baker to overturn the ruling.

The tribunal ruled it was up to Milburn to prove it was more likely than not that the social worker committed the rape.

Coppel accused the tribunal of failing to take into account circumstances in which the allegations were made. He claims the girl confided in her therapist, who informed the local authority.

Coppel also complained that the tribunal made its decision even though the social worker and his two character witnesses failed to attend and give evidence.

He alleged the man beat his wife, nearly strangled his lover and sexually and emotionally abused her.

Mr Justice Baker said he needed time to consider his decision in the case, and would give his ruling at a later date.