A social worker who had sex with a mental health service user
has been banned from practising.
David Anthony Cookson, 44, of Southampton was employed as a
locum social worker for Surrey County Council when he had sex with
Ms A - a woman with mental health problems. Cookson became Ms A's
key worker in July 2006. The General Social Care Council (GSCC)
independent committee heard that, having gained her trust, he went
on to have a full sexual relationship with her on a weekly basis,
and she revealed to him she was pregnant.
Cookson was convicted under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 in
Guildford Crown Court in 2008 and placed on the sex offenders
register for five years and ordered to attend the Thames Valley sex
offender's group work programme.
Cookson, who defended himself at the GSCC hearing, told the
committee he deeply regretted what had happened and was very sorry
for the damage he had caused to Ms A and the social care
profession. He said he was “profoundly sorry” for abusing his
position of trust and letting down a vulnerable woman who had
already been abused by other people.
But the committee said Cookson was aware from the outset that
his actions breached the code of practice for social care workers
and he had taken no steps to inform his supervisors. They said
striking him off the register was the only appropriate action as
the offence was not only criminal, but a serious breach of his
position of trust.
Rosie Varley, chair of the GSCC, said: “Social workers are put
in a position of trust, and it is therefore vital that they act
with integrity whilst safeguarding vulnerable people.”
Cookson was removed from the register with immediate effect. He
has the right of appeal.
More information
Expert guide: Conduct
GSCC:
Recently concluded hearings