A MAN who worked in a care home has been convicted of assaulting an elderly resident who has dementia.

Caspar Coole was found guilty of assault by beating following a trial at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on November 3 and he was sentenced on Friday.

Coole, 45, of Nettlecombe Lane, Whitwell, is also registered to work in the security industry but heard the SIA (Security Industry Authority) is awaiting the outcome of the case and it is likely his licence will be revoked. 

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said Coole was working at Tile House Care Home in Shanklin when he assaulted an elderly resident.

An incident was being dealt with concerning the resident, in the correct manner, but Coole got involved, pushed him towards a chair, and forced him into the chair while shouting at him.

Ms Miller said: "Staff were alarmed. They had to intervene to stop it. The resident was shocked, frightened, and took a long time to calm down."

He was left with a thumb size bruise to his upper arm but later seemed to have no recollection of it.

However, the incident had a lasting impact on the man's wife.

In her victim statement she said her husband's care had been paramount since his diagnosis 12 years ago, and she had cared for him until she carefully chose Tile House due to its good reputation.

She had always felt welcome at the home and described its happy atmosphere, saying it gave her peace of mind that her husband was being so well looked after and relieved her of a "burden of guilt" she felt about him being in a home.

"This incident robbed me of that peace of mind," she said.

Amy Hosell, representing Coole, produced a number of good character references including support from former work colleagues.

Magistrates referenced Coole's "over-reaction on one occasion" and noted all the compliments in his character references, which referred to him usually being "calm and capable". 

He was handed an 18-month community order to include 180 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days.

He must pay £650 costs and a £95 surcharge.