A Cumbrian woman assaulted a care home resident with Down's Syndrome, a court heard.

Mary Susan Torley, 60, used excessive force to drag the 54-year-old woman, who also has onset dementia, by her clothes, causing her to fall.

Torley, of Guard Street, Workington, had denied assault by beating a vulnerable person in her care but was found guilty following a trial at West Cumbria magistrates.

She worked at a private care home in Cockermouth as a carer for three vulnerable adults. The home has since closed.

The incident took place on October 28 last year and was witnessed by a another staff member, who reported it to police.

Torley was sentenced to a 12 week, 7pm to 7am curfew and told to pay £620 costs and £60 victim surcharge.

After the hearing, Detective Constable Paul Scougal said: “I’d like to express my gratitude to the witness that bravely came forward to report the incident and behaviour of a colleague, which has led to successful prosecution.

“Protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities is a top priority for Cumbria Constabulary and we will not tolerate such behaviour from those trusted to care for these individuals.

“Anyone who is concerned about the treatment of residents in a care home can contact the police, or adult social care, and it will be investigated sensitively and professionally.”