A Johnstone carer who was convicted of sexual abuse against children has been struck off.
Andrew Ward was convicted of the historic attacks at Greenock Sheriff Court on May 18 last year.
A hearing of the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) considered the evidence at a hearing to determine his fitness to practise.
On multiple occasions between November 14, 1986 and November 13, 1988, Ward indecently assaulted a boy by touching his genitalia under his clothing, carrying out sexual acts and pushing him.
On other occasions between February 23, 1987 and February 22, 1989, he was found to have used “lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour” towards another boy.
The SSSC heard that Ward “repeatedly” seized him by the body, restrained him, touched his genitalia and carried out sexual acts.
The council also considered that on one occasion, sometime between December 29, 1992 and December 28, 1994, he targeted a third boy by getting into his bed while naked, and acting inappropriately.
He was older than each of the children when the incidents occurred, and was a legal adult during more than one of them, according to the SSSC.
The watchdog said: “Your conduct is extremely serious and constitutes a gross breach of trust.
“Your actions would likely have caused the children fear and alarm and have placed them at risk of physical, emotional and psychological harm.”
It continued that Ward’s actions were “fundamentally incompatible” with the social services profession, citing ongoing public protection concerns.
The SSSC concluded that, considering the “extreme” nature of his actions, and no evidence of remediation, a removal order would be imposed effective April 27.
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