Social worker barred for striking child

A panel of the Health and Care Professions Council’s conduct and competence committee heard David Briggs struck the youngster, named as Child Y, on the leg after he kicked out at him.

He was found to have brought his hand down with “some speed and ferocity”.

Panel chairman Graham Aitken said it was satisfied his actions were “offensive rather than defensive” and “could not possibly be constructed as de-escalation of Child Y’s aggressive behaviour” towards him.

The panel heard Mr Briggs was working for Barnsley Council as a senior support worker at a residential unit for children with complex needs when the incident occurred in November 2011.

The child, who has severe autism and learning difficulties and is unable to communicate verbally, was known to be aggressive towards both children and staff and had kicked another staff member shortly before the incident.

Other staff spoke of their “shock and surprise” at Mr Briggs’s actions as he was “held in high regard”.

The panel said the blow was “all the more serious” because of his extensive experience and it decided his fitness to practise was impaired due to misconduct.

Mr Aitken added: “The panel is satisfied that the making of a striking-off order represents a proportionate response in affording public protection and maintaining the public’s confidence in the profession.”

Mr Briggs, who had been qualified as a social worker for 25 years at the time of the incident, was not at the hearing but had submitted a detailed written case claiming it was a “reflex response” and he had no option to act as he did.

He was dismissed by Barnsley Council following an inquiry.