Sex predator who groomed child in Ayrshire car park showed ‘no remorse’

A social worker, Stephen Thomson, has been removed from the Scottish Social Services Council register for historical offences of lewd and indecent behaviour towards a child under his care. The offences took place between August 1, 2000, and February 28, 2001, in various locations such as a car at Dundonald Castle car park and lay-bys in Bishopton, Inverclyde, and West Dumbartonshire. Thomson, employed in Ipswich, was convicted in February at Paisley Sheriff Court.

The SSSC stated that Thomson’s actions showed a sustained level of grooming and predatory behaviour towards a minor, leading to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Despite the recent conviction, Thomson displayed no insight, remorse, or remediation. The SSSC expressed concerns about the risk of repeat behaviour and the harm it could cause to vulnerable individuals.

Describing Thomson’s conduct as deliberate and premeditated, the SSSC highlighted a pattern of sustained grooming and predatory behaviour that could result in serious harm to the victim. Due to the severity of the conduct, the SSSC deemed a Removal Order as the most appropriate sanction to protect the public interest and maintain trust in the social service profession.

Thomson’s behaviour was found to be fundamentally incompatible with professional registration as a social worker, violating the trust placed in him by the vulnerable young person. The SSSC concluded that a Suspension Order would not be suitable given the nature of Thomson’s actions.

In summary, Stephen Thomson’s removal from the register by the Scottish Social Services Council for his predatory behaviour towards a child under his care underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such misconduct. The swift and decisive action taken by the SSSC serves as a reminder of the zero-tolerance approach towards abuse within the social service profession. Such cases highlight the critical need for vigilance and accountability in ensuring the safety and well-being of those under the care of social workers.