In a Social Care Wales hearing, Oliver Hughes, who worked for Mencap Cymru in the Machynlleth area, was banned from being a social worker in Wales after he admitted to assaulting his then girlfriend.

In a fitness to practice hearing held today (June 25) for Social Care Wales, the chair of the disciplinary panel, Byron Davies said the panel had been “shocked and troubled” by Hughes’ behaviour.

It was heard that in an incident in January, Hughes attacked his then girlfriend from behind during an argument, dragging her to the floor, leading to a cut on her leg.

It was heard that, when she got up, Hughes punched her in the face. After this she then fled to the nearest shop for safety and the shopkeeper had to restrain Hughes to stop him from entering, the hearing was told.

Hughes later pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating in a hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates Court on March 12.

The hearing took place in Hughes’ absence, and it was heard that in a letter to Social Care Wales claimed he had “only plead guilty as he had been advised to do so by his solicitor” and that he he had “turned his life around since the incident”.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: www.countytimes.co.uk/subscribe

As a digital subscriber you will get

  • Unlimited access to the County Times website
  • Advert-light access
  • Reader rewards
  • Full access to our app

He also “questioned why the process was continuing” and that “he had no intention of returning to social care”.

The panel ruled that the accusation was proven due to him being found guilty of the charge of assault by beating and that he should be removed from the social care register, meaning Hughes cannot practice as a social worker in a regulated workplace in Wales.

Mr Davies said that the panel found Hughes’ conduct “had breached a fundamental tenant of the profession” and that his “integrity cannot be relied upon”.

He added that the panel were troubled that “Mr Hughes failed to demonstrate insight” into his behaviour and showed “no regret or remorse”.