A CARE worker aggressively grabbed a man with severe learning difficulties leaving him distressed and bruised, a jury at Bradford Crown Court heard.

Stephen Smith, who is blind and can speak only a few words, gave a high pitched cry when he was assaulted by Rene Mouel who also struck him hard on the foot, it is alleged.

Mouel, 48, of Torre Mount, Burmantofts, Leeds, denies three charges of ill-treating or neglecting Mr Smith at the Branwell Lodge Nursing Home in Smith Road, Great Horton, Bradford, on March 19.

Care support worker Rashid Hussain told the court yesterday he saw Mouel grab Mr Smith by his clothing and shake him.

“He was in agony. I was shocked. I could not believe it. I have never witnessed this, ever,” he said.

Mr Hussain said Mouel told him: “Stephen knows me. He likes fighting.”

He alleged Mouel grabbed Mr Smith again and then dealt him a forceful slap on his foot.

Mr Hussain said Mr Smith had “clear, fresh bruising” on his chest the next day. He photographed the injuries, took a body map, and sent the pictures to the home manager. The trial continues.

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