CHILD CARE WORKER ALLOWED TO KEEP JOB AFTER CAMPAIGN OF ABUSE AND BREAK-IN

A children and young people's worker named Elliot Cooney has been found to have committed serious abuse and criminal acts, yet was allowed to retain his employment. Cooney inflicted a campaign of abuse on his victim between November 1 and November 18, 2022, including grabbing her by the neck and pushing her head into a kitchen hob. He also seized her on the body, sent her unwanted gifts, and drove past her home in an attempt to see if she had company. Furthermore, he repeatedly asked her family for information about her whereabouts and, despite being ordered by authorities not to contact or approach her, broke into her home. During the break-in, he swiped her smartwatch and attempted to access her text messages.

Despite his convictions, including being convicted of assault and battery on his victim and striking a police officer, his practice as a youth worker was deemed impaired. He attended a Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) hearing where he was handed a two-year warning. The panel decided that a warning was appropriate because, although his behavior was serious, there was no risk of harm to individuals using social services. The panel considered his insight, regret, and apology, as well as testimonials supporting his character, in their decision. They concluded that the risk of reoffending was very limited and that he had shown insight, with no repetition of violence occurring in situations unrelated to his work.

Cooney was convicted of these crimes at Dumfries Sheriff Court in August of the previous year. He is also known to have been in the leadership team of the Lighthouse Church in Dumfries before leaving the position in 2019. He is the founder of Dunamis Love, a ministry aimed at providing support and empowerment to believers and awakening people to Jesus, and he previously held a leadership position at the church. The decision not to strike him off the register was based on his remorse and positive testimonials supporting his character, despite the severity of his conduct.