A NURSE who tied up an 85-year-old dementia patient with a dressing gown belt to restrain her at an East Lancashire care home has been convicted of ill-treatment by magistrates.

Michael Tinker, 53, was caught out by shocked district nurse Gina Hill and trainee Abigail Jacobs as he walked frail Avis Ratchford from a dining room to a residents' lounge at Haslingden Hall and Lodge, a court heard.

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Staff at the Lancaster Avenue home were aware that Mrs Ratchford, who suffered from severe dementia, could occasionally be 'aggressive and confrontational' and present with 'challenging behaviour'.

But the home's deputy manager Suzanne Barlow confirmed that Tinker's conduct fell below expected standards and an inquiry was immediately launched into his conduct.

It was established that the elderly woman had not suffered any physical injury as a result of what had taken place.

Tinker, of Ashlands Close, Edenfield, denied neglecting or ill-treating a person lacking mental capacity on January 14 last year. But he was found guilty after a day-long trial before Burnley magistrates and bailed until February 3 for pre-sentence reports.

Nicholas Turner, prosecuting, said that Miss Hill and Miss Jacobs went to the first floor of the dementia unit at the home, at around 3.50pm on the day, and saw Tinker guiding Mrs Ratchford from a dining area to a residents' lounge.

"There was a dressing gown belt placed around her body. Both of her arms were pinned to her sides. She had a little movement in her hands and fingers but could not move her arms." said Mr Turner.

The court heard that the dressing gown belt was clearly being used as a restraint, with Tinker keeping hold of the excess and moving Mrs Ratchford towards the lounge.

Mr Turner said that when he saw the two other workers he appeared to be 'startled' and, after placing the patient in a chair, he threw the belt on a nearby sofa.

Magistrates were told that the incident was instantly reported to the deputy manager, who passed the investigation on to senior managers.

Jeremy Frain, defending, said that there were a number of references in care plans to Mrs Ratchford presenting with 'challenging behaviour' and that she could often be 'aggressive' and 'confrontational'.

But magistrates heard that while the patient needed close assistance with personal care, she was able to eat and drink independently and had no significant mobility issues.

Giving evidence, Miss Hill said: "It was the fact that he had his arms on her shoulders of her dressing gown. I wouldn't say he was pushing her fast. She shuffles a bit but I wouldn't like to say how fast."

The court heard that Tinker had been off work with stress, before the incident, and had only been back at work for a short period of time beforehand.

Mr Turner said: "It is clearly inappropriate with regards to the general standard of the care of the elderly, in these circumstances, and clearly there is reference, within the charge, to whether this is neglect or ill-treatment. This is suggested to be more ill-treatment."

A spokesman from Haslingden Hall and Lodge said; “We were made aware of an allegation relating to a member of staff and in line with our procedures we investigated this fully.

"Working together with the relevant authorities and parties, the individual was subsequently dismissed from the company. We continue to work hard to ensure the high quality of care within the home.”