Winterbourne View: Social worker Brian Clarke struck off

A man responsible for safeguarding vulnerable adults at a private hospital at the centre of a scandal has been found unfit to practise and struck off.

Social worker Brian Clarke, who worked for South Gloucestershire Council, was responsible for patients at Winterbourne View near Bristol.

Ill-treatment of adults with learning disabilities was uncovered there during secret filming by BBC Panorama.

The Health and Care Professions Council found claims of misconduct proved.

In a statement, a spokeswoman said: "The panel found fitness to practise is currently impaired by reason of that misconduct.

"The panel has decided to strike Mr Clarke from the register with an interim suspension order in place to cover the appeal period."

After the hearing South Gloucestershire Council issued a statement, saying: "Two staff members were dismissed following our own disciplinary investigation launched in response to the events at the Winterbourne View private hospital.

"We have fully co-operated with the Health and Care Professions Council during their hearing this week, providing evidence in relation to one of the former employees."