Prison term handed to care worker at Cannock nursing home

A care worker convicted of ill treating an elderly patient at a nursing home in Cannock has been jailed for nine months.

Ian Connolley was found guilty of ill-treating 79-year-old Ivan Gibson at Needwood House in Cannock.

Connolley inflicted pain on Mr Gibson by taking a shortcut to change him, Stafford crown court heard.

When the pensioner lashed out, Connelley grabbed him by the wrists, leaving him with red marks.

A junior care worker with him at the home in Stafford Street was shocked at his behaviour in October last year, the jury heard.

Connolley, aged 34, of Brownhills Road, Norton Canes, was found guilty of ill-treating a person lacking mental capacity after denying the charge.

Mr Gibson suffered from advanced dementia but was still able to distinguish between kindness shown to him and ill treatment, the court heard.

While changing Mr Gibson, Connolley lifted him instead of rolling him over as required. Despite the pensioner's protest, he continued, saying it would be quicker. Connolley was dismissed by the home following his conviction.