A CARER who attacked a 92-year-old patient has been jailed for six months even after a judge heard she would never work in such a position again.

Tamara Springett, 59, was seen by fellow carers to punch the woman in her ribs and to tell her she hoped she would fall over and break her neck.

James Hartson, the barrister representing Springett, said she had developed multiple sclerosis and would never be a carer again.

He said her victim had suffered from severe dementia and could be violent and aggressive.

Springett, he said, had not been suited to such a demanding role and had acted out of frustration.

The jury had heard how Springett had thumped the woman after she lashed out of her. On another occasion she had slapped her on her bottom and sworn at her.

Francis Jones, prosecuting, said her husband was now worried about how other carers might treat his wife when he was not with her.

Judge Geraint Walters said the woman had deserved to be treated with dignity never mind how testing that could be for her carers.

“Those who choose to be employed caring for others must ask themselves whether they are up to the job,” he said.