STEVEN SNOOK FROM MARGATE STRUCK OFF AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH TEENAGE GIRL

In a significant disciplinary action, Steven Snook, a social worker based in Margate, has been formally removed from the register of the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) following a series of serious allegations and criminal convictions related to his inappropriate conduct towards a minor.

Snook, who was 41 years old at the time of the incident and residing at Park Close, Queen Elizabeth Avenue in Margate, was found to have developed an unhealthy infatuation with a 16-year-old girl under his professional care. This infatuation escalated into inappropriate and criminal behavior, leading to his guilty plea at Canterbury Crown Court last summer for engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

The disciplinary panel overseeing his case determined that allowing Snook to continue practicing as a social worker posed a significant risk to other clients, particularly young female service users. The panel's decision to strike him off the register was based on the gravity of the misconduct, which was deemed incompatible with maintaining professional standards and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable individuals.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the girl had gone missing on multiple occasions, and Snook had been assigned to supervise her. Despite being aware of her vulnerabilities, Snook engaged in inappropriate physical contact, including hugging and kissing her, and became sexually aroused despite explicit instructions to stay away from her. The court also heard that Snook bombarded her with explicit text messages, further violating the trust placed in him as a social worker.

Judge Michael O'Sullivan, presiding over the case, sentenced Snook to a two-year Community Order and ordered him to register as a sex offender for five years. In his sentencing remarks, the judge described Snook's behavior as an obsession and emphasized that his life was now in ruins due to his actions.

Graham Aitken, chair of the HPCPC panel, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating that the breaches of professional standards and criminal law were too severe to ignore. He explained that the panel concluded that if Snook were to return to social work, there would remain a substantial risk to female service users, making his continued practice untenable.

In summary, Steven Snook's case highlights the critical importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and maintaining strict professional standards within social work. His actions not only led to criminal charges but also resulted in his removal from the professional register, ensuring he cannot practice in the field again and protecting future clients from potential harm.