Cook bit vulnerable man in home - court

6:49am Saturday 17th May 2008

A COOK at a home for vulnerable adults bit one of the residents on the arm in a dispute over spilt milk, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Valerie Bayliss tried to get 38-year-old Stephen Draper to clear up the mess but the incident ended in violence, said Abigail Nixon, prosecuting.

Mr Draper, who had learning difficulties and a reputation for disruptive behaviour, was seen lying on the floor clinging to Bayliss's apron at Bryn Garth residential home in Much Birch, near Hereford, on September 28, 2006.

She claimed she had been bitten and told him: "If you bite me, I'll bite you. If you hit me, I'll hit you." Bayliss had an injury to her arm.

Bayliss, aged 57, of Canonmoor Street, Hereford, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and was given a community order with a requirement of 200 hours unpaid work to be completed in 18 months. She must also pay £500 towards court costs of £3,086.

Lynette McClemment, defending, submitted three references for Bayliss.

She said Bayliss admitted pressing her teeth against Mr Draper's arm but it did not constitute a bite. She had since lost her job.

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