A care worker who was filmed abusing an adult with Down Syndrome who was in her care, has been jailed.
Sona Mertova, 47, of Western Place, Heene in Worthing, admitted the abuse, which happened at a Worthing care home in June this year.
A neighbour, who was concerned for the victim's welfare, filmed 47-year-old Mertova dragging the victim in the garden of the care home and shouting abuse at them.
Police in the Safeguarding Investigations Unit viewed the footage and charged Mertova with with being a care worker who ill-treated or neglected an individual in their care.
She was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court last Tuesday (Oct 19) to six months
His Honour Judge Mark Van Der Zwart said her behaviour was not a momentary loss of control and said she had breached the trust of the victim’s family.
Detective Constable Yvonne Daddow, from the Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said the incident has caused the victim and his family significant distress.
DC Daddow said:
“Adults requiring care and support may not be able to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.
"We have specialist trained officers and staff who work to protect adults at risk of abuse.
“If you are worried that you or someone you know is suffering adult or elder abuse or neglect, please contact us immediately.
"We will investigate and ensure the person gets the best course of action to meet their needs.
“This can be done online, by calling 101 or in person at a local police station. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.”
More information and support about adult or elderly abuse is available online here.
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