A CARE worker from Gwynedd has been struck off after he was convicted of three counts of arranging the commission of sexual activity with a child.

Huw Meredydd Groom, 56, from Dolgellau, was handed a removal order at a Social Care Wales fitness to practise hearing held remotely yesterday (June 17).

Mr Groom, who did not attend or have legal representation at the hearing, is subject to a suspension of his registration prior to the removal order taking effect on July 19.

He was employed at the time of the allegations as a night support worker.

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The hearing was told that, on February 23, 2023, Mr Groom was arrested following allegations that he had facilitated a child sexual offence.

Police had received information that he had been speaking with an adult female online to try and facilitate a sexual act with her daughter, a child.

Mr Groom had been engaging in sexual communication on social media with three individuals who he believed to be mothers of 13-year-old girls, but who were, in fact, undercover police officers.

During these discussions, Mr Groom also said that he wanted to “meet up” with them, although this did not transpire.

When he was interviewed by police, Mr Groom said that at no point would he try to arrange a meeting with a child, adding that he has no sexual interest in children.

He was later charged with three child sexual offences, to which he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for the same period, last December.

Mr Groom was also ordered to comply with sex offenders register notification requirements, and a sexual harm prevention order, each for a period of 10 years.

The panel chairing yesterday’s hearing felt that a removal order was, in this case, “the only outcome which reflects the serious nature of Mr Groom’s conduct”.

In mitigation, the hearing was told that he was a man of previous good character, who committed these offences while under the influence of alcohol and suffering from depression.

Mr Groom had also expressed from his actions, and had emailed Social Care Wales to state that he has been a “dedicated carer” for almost 25 years and had worked “professionally, to a high standard” in that time.

Despite this, the panel concluded: “We consider that he acted in a way that poses a potential risk to users of care and support.

“We also find that Mr Groom’s integrity cannot be relied upon. He has failed to act in accordance with the core standards and principles of the social care profession.

“His conduct is bound to have a negative effect on public confidence in Mr Groom as a social care professional.

“We also find that he has breached a fundamental tenet of the profession to protect vulnerable children.

“Mr Groom has shown a blatant disregard for, or serious departure from, the relevant professional standards set out in the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care.”