A SENIOR care worker convicted of ill-treating a vulnerable dementia patient has been dismissed from her post.

Dimitrinka Yonova, 54, was sentenced this week after magistrates in Carlisle found her guilty of punching Royston Abbott at a Carlisle care home om June last year.

It happened at Lanercost House, Belle Vue, where 62-year-old Mr Abbott was a patient.

Barchester Healthcare Ltd said Yonova was immediately suspended when the allegations arose and was subsequently dismissed after an internal investigation was carried out.

Her offences came to light after Mr Abbott's wife installed a convert camera in his room, because she had become so concerned about the standard of care he was receiving.

Following the court judgement Barchester, which also runs Newlands Care Centre in Workington, gave reassurances that the wellbeing of its patients was paramount.

A spokesman for Barchester told the News & Star: "At Lanercost House the safety and wellbeing of our residents is of the utmost importance and we have a zero tolerance to those that don’t uphold that principle.

"The case involving Dimitrinka Yonova was was an isolated incident; she was immediately suspended following these allegations and then dismissed after an internal investigation took place.

"We worked with the relevant authorities throughout their investigation and would like to reassure everyone of our commitment to those residing at Lanercost House.

"The health and wellbeing of our residents and staff is at the forefront of everything we do."

Helen Abbott and her family became concerned when they saw occasions where instructions in his care plan were not adhered to.

She said there was no justification for Yonova's actions and said lessons should be learned from this case.

Magistrates imposed an 18-month community sentence which orders Yonova, of Ruthella Street, Carlisle, to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days. she must also pay £500 costs.