AN abusive care home worker subjected frail OAPs to ‘degrading’ treatment at a home hit by embezzlement and theft allegations and facing closure.

An inquiry was told social care worker Jean Burns dragged an elderly resident by the ankles in his bed and bent his thumb back at Seabank Care Home in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, which is expected to shut in January.

She also instructed a colleagues to remove residents’ food bowl before they had been fed.

When the other worker told her some of the pensioners had not eaten, she replied: “Tough.”

The incidents happened in April last year.

Lesley Carcary, Director of Action on Elder Abuse Scotland, said: "While we know that many workers in the care sector are struggling with ongoing funding cuts, Ms Burns' behaviour appears to have nothing to do with resources, and is an act of downright cruelty.

"We're delighted that the regulator has ruled to strike her off the register, but would ask the question why no criminal charges have been sought?  Assault is assault regardless of a person's age, and there needs to be appropriate punishment to fit the crime to have a real deterrent to tackle the scourge of elder abuse."

Read more: Vulnerable care home residents forced to move after care home announces closure 

The Evening Times revealed last week how North Ayrshire Council had cancelled a contract with the home and is now assisting families to find alternative placements for residents.

A 47-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged theft and embezzlement at the home.

Some 45 resident are facing an uncertain future while a further 89 staff ­working there are also in limbo.

The home is operated by Seabank Care, which also runs Woodside Care Home at Quarriers Village in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire.

Former care worker Jean Burns was struck off following a hearing of the Scottish Social Services Council, who said she had behaved in a ‘degrading and disrespectful’ way towards residents which had caused them ‘distress and fear.’