A SOCIAL worker has been struck off after "predatory behaviour" towards a child in an Ayrshire car park.

Stephen Thomson, noted as being employed in Ipswich, was removed from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) register for social workers.

The watchdog found that Thomson's fitness to practice was impaired, following a series of historic incidents between August 2000 and February 2001.

He was convicted at Paisley Sheriff Court earlier this year for using "lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour" towards a child who was under his care.

The behaviour took place at the Dundonald Castle car park in Ayrshire, as well as at laybys in Bishopton and the Inverclyde area, Dumbarton Castle, Paisley and elsewhere.

A report published by the SSSC said: "The conduct leading to your conviction shows a sustained level of serious grooming and predatory behaviour.

"It is repeated emotional, physical and sexual abuse of a minor and would likely have caused the most serious emotional and psychological harm.

"The young person had the right to trust you as a social worker. Your conduct was a grave and significant abuse of that trust, and of your position of power.

"It is fundamentally incompatible with professional registration as a social worker."

The SSSC found that Thomson had shown no insight, remorse or remediation, and that there was a "risk of repeat of the behaviour".

The report added that although the conduct was more than 20-years-old, "it is too serious for the passage of time to provide any reassurance".

It also said: "Although there have been no concerns raised since, the conduct is of the most serious nature. You have shown no insight, remorse or remediation.

"The very nature of your behaviour, despite the passage of time, suggests underlying and highly concerning attitudinal and values issues.

"We consider there is a risk of repeat of the behaviour, which would risk extremely serious harm to vulnerable young people. There are therefore current and serious public protection and public interest concerns that need to be addressed."

The notice of removal came into effect on November 27. The full report and decision can be found on the Scottish Social Services Council website.