AN IRVINE care worker has been struck off after using a service user's bank card to steal £500.

Audrey Graham was removed from the register after an investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) – into a theft she committed almost three years ago.

The watchdog said Graham’s conviction amounted to a “serious breach of trust” – and said she had failed to show any insight or remorse.

An SSSC panel report has revealed that on March 15, 2023, Graham was convicted at Ayr Sheriff Court of stealing £500 by opening a lockfast ATM.

The theft took place on May 11, 2021.

At the time, Graham was registered with the SSSC as a support worker in a ‘care at home’ service.

Now she's been struck off by the care watchdog, who found her fitness to practice was "impaired".

In their report, the SSSC panel told Graham: "Your behaviour is serious and suggests serious attitudinal and values issues that fall far short of the standards expected of social service workers.

"Dishonest behaviour undermines the public’s confidence in social services."

The panel added: "The money you stole belonged to an individual in your care. You have placed that individual at risk of emotional and financial harm.

"Your actions are a serious breach of the trust placed in you. You have not demonstrated any insight or remorse for your actions.

"The SSSC and the wider public cannot take any assurance that such behaviour would not be repeated should you be permitted to return to the sector."

The watchdog’s report said Graham had been contacted and had declined the right to be referred to a ‘fitness to practise’ panel.

The report continued: "After referring to our decisions guidance, we decided to impose a Removal Order, removing your registration from the SSSC Register.

"Your behaviour resulted in financial harm to the victim. You have failed to demonstrate any insight or apology for your actions.

"The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest, and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession."

The panel's report does not reveal who Graham was working for at the time of the incident.

The removal order came into effect on Thursday, March 14, when the SSSC’s decision was published.