East Dunbartonshire children’s worker struck off after attacking vulnerable girl in his care struck off after attacking girl in his care

The regulator said the girl was placed at risk of both emotional and physical harm by his actions, and that he had breached the trust placed in him to care for vulnerable individuals.

It also found that O’Donnell – who was a supervisor at his work – did not accept he had assaulted the girl and had not provided any comments to the SSSC.

This meant he shown no signs of any insight or remorse into his behaviour.

It wrote: “Behaviour of this nature is abusive and harmful and raises significant concerns about your underlying values and is fundamentally incompatible with continued professional registration.”

The report into O’Donnell stated that although 18 October was an isolated incident, the behaviour of the girl was not out of the ordinary, and O’Donnell could therefore face similar situations again in the future.

It added: “Failure to take action in this case would undermine public confidence and trust in the wider profession. It would also undermine the integrity of the SSSC’s register.

“A firm declaration is required in this case to reaffirm expected professional standards.”

The notice came into effect from 4 July this year.