Social worker struck off register

A social worker who had a sexual relationship with a girl in his care has been struck off by the General Social Care Council (GSCC).

Alan Carr, who worked for St Helens council, Merseyside, began the 10-year relationship in 1987 when the girl was 16 and in a home, the GSCC heard.

The committee ruled that Mr Carr's behaviour breached his position of trust and duty of care.

Mr Carr, now 50, has been removed from the register of social workers.

The woman, who cannot be named, told the hearing Mr Carr lavished her with gifts, including money and jewellery and pressured her to stay silent about the relationship.

In its concluding statement, the committee said Mr Carr's behaviour had been "fundamentally incompatible" with being a registered social worker.

They said: "In light of his continuing denial of the allegations, the committee felt there was no other way to protect the public other than removal."

Mr Carr can appeal against the GSCC decision to the independent Care Standards Tribunal.