Inverness woman pulled out support worker’s hair with teeth

A WOMAN bit her home support worker’s hair and pulled it out by the roots, Inverness Sheriff Court heard.

Dawn Fraser (40) of Druid Road, Inverness, appeared in the dock of the court today with a social worker by her side.

She admitted assaulting Catherine Anderson at her home in Druid Road on January 14 by scratching her on the face and shoulder and pulling her hair out with her teeth all to her injury.

Depute Fiscal Heather Swan told Sheriff Margaret Neilson that Ms Anderson was working as a home support worker for Fraser.

She said Fraser was sitting across the room about 10am and she got up saying she needed a hug.

“She stood up, held out her arms as if to hug then lashed out and pulled her hair with her teeth. Ms Anderson managed to get hold of her hands and stopped the attack but Fraser had a mouthful of her hair.

“She was immediately apologetic but Ms Anderson told her she would have to report it to the police and her supervisor.”

The fiscal said Fraser later explained she was in a bad mood and said she didn’t know why she did it and said she was sorry.

Solicitor Duncan Henderson said there was no criticism whatsoever of Ms Anderson. He had spent time with Fraser’s social work team and community service and probation were two options.

But Mr Henderson felt probation would be best because community service would be impracticable and she would have to be accompanied by a carer.

Sheriff Neilson placed Fraser on probation for six months and said: “Your behaviour was unacceptable. You cannot assault people who are trying to help.”