GARETH TERRY FROM CWMFELINFAIRCH STRUCK OFF AFTER CHILD CRUELTY CASE IN GWENT

In a significant disciplinary action, Gareth Terry, a physiotherapist from Cwmfelinfach, has been formally removed from the professional register following a conviction related to child cruelty. The incident, which took place in September 2009, involved Terry inflicting severe harm on a young child, leading to a court hearing that revealed disturbing details about the abuse.

According to court records, Gareth Terry, aged 37 at the time and residing on Mill Lane in Cwmfelinfach, was found guilty of squeezing a baby so forcefully that nine of the infant's ribs were fractured. The court heard how the injuries inflicted were both serious and indicative of a pattern of abusive behavior. Terry admitted to the charges, which resulted in a two-year community order. As part of his sentence, he was also instructed to participate in an anger management program, highlighting the court's concern over his conduct and emotional regulation.

Further scrutiny by the Health Professionals Council revealed that Terry had failed to disclose a prior conviction for driving under the influence of excess alcohol when applying to be registered on the physiotherapy register. This omission was considered a serious breach of professional conduct and integrity. During the disciplinary hearing, panel chairwoman Elspheth Metcalfe emphasized that the failure to disclose such a conviction compromised Terry’s fitness to practice. She explained that the panel had no evidence to suggest he would respond differently if faced with similar circumstances in the future, and that the misconduct was of a very serious nature.

Ms. Metcalfe stated, “The very serious nature of these allegations, coupled with the fact that Mr. Terry is still subject to the community order, inevitably results in ongoing impairment.” As a result, the panel unanimously decided that the most appropriate course of action was to strike Gareth Terry from the professional register, effectively ending his career as a registered physiotherapist.

It was noted that Terry was neither present nor represented at the disciplinary hearing, which further underscored the gravity of the situation and the panel’s decision to uphold professional standards and protect public safety.