A CARER punched and slapped a 92-year-old she was supposed to be looking after.

Tamara Springett, aged 60, also told the elderly woman she hoped she would fall over and break her leg.

Springett, of Maesycoed, Cardigan, was found guilty on Friday of a new offence of ill-treatment by a carer following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Springett was warned by Judge Geraint Walters that he would sentence her to prison - the only question was whether the sentence would be suspended or activated immediately.

The jury heard from three carers employed by the same firm, Cardigan-based Corban Care.

The female patient, they said, suffered from dementia and could be difficult, sometimes spitting at her carers, hitting them and pulling their hair.

One of the carers Samantha Green said the elderly woman “lashed out” at Springett, who responded by thumping her in the ribs and calling her “a f***ing bitch.”

“It came as a complete shock. I was absolutely disgusted,” said Miss Green.

Carer Jade Codd said the patient spat at Springett who called her a dirty cow and pinned her down on a bed.

The third carer giving evidence, Cerys Price, said she saw Springett slap the patient’s bare bottom in another incident.

Springett denied the assaults, but agreed she may have pushed the patient away in self-defence.

Stephen Rees, prosecuting, said carers were required to show restraint and to behave professionally never mind how challenging the patient could be.

Springett will be sentenced on 15 September and was granted bail meanwhile.

But Judge Walters told her the offending was serious and plainly passed the custody threshold.

After the verdict Judge Walters asked Mr Rees to make enquiries with the company that had taken over Corban Care.

He said carers had told the jury they had not complained about Springett’s behaviour “because nothing would have been done”.

Judge Walters said if that was true then it was very concerning.

“There is no room at all for abusing someone in that situation. That must be made clear to those who are carers,” he added.

“There is no room for a slacking of standards.”

The court heard that Springett no longer worked as a carer.