Social worker found guilty of assault on autistic boy, 12

A former Croydon social worker has had a black mark placed against his name after being found guilty of misconduct for assaulting a 12-year-old autistic boy.

Stephen Dent, 55, of Harrow Road, Warlingham, left bruises and welts on the arms of the youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, after he refused to go to school in July 2008.

He was found guilty of misconduct by the Social Care Council at a committee meeting on Wednesday.

This verdict came after he was found guilty Croydon Magistrates’ Court of the offence of assault by beating, in January 2009.

Mr Dent, who was working as a social worker for Croydon Council, has had an admonishment placed against his name on the social care register.

It means that he can still practice as a social worker, but future employers will be able to find out he has been found guilty of misconduct.

The caution will remain against his name for five years.