Support worker who exposed himself in front of vulnerable service user struck off

A support worker who exposed himself in front of a vulnerable service user has been struck off.

John Sharpe was convicted of public indecency at Airdrie Sheriff Court in January after exposing his genitals to the person, who has additional support needs, on July 12, 2025

The offence took place while Sharpe was employed as a social care worker in Coatbridge.

Following his conviction, the Scottish Social Services Council launched a probe into Sharpe’s conduct.

The SSSC said Sharpe risked causing “emotional harm and embarrassment” to the person he was supporting, as well as potentially causing “reputational harm” to the service he worked for, and the social service profession as a whole.

The watchdog said that following the incident, the supported person did not want to visit the place where Sharpe’s exposure of himself occurred.

The SSSC added that Sharpe’s actions were “spontaneous” and not intended to harm the supported person.

Sharpe’s fitness to practice was found to be impaired, and he was struck from the register.

The notice came into effect on May 29.