Liam Fee hearing urged to find charges against social worker proven

A hearing into a social worker accused of failing murdered toddler Liam Fee has been urged to find every charge against her proven.

Lesley Bate was assigned to some of the most serious child abuse cases in Fyfe, Scotland.

The 60-year-old faces 13 misconduct charges relating to 16 at-risk children including two-year-old Liam.

Ms Bate is accused of not following up properly concerns about injuries he'd suffered and failing to minimise the potential risk of harm to the youngster.

Liam's mother Rachel Trelfa, 31, and her partner Nyomi Fee, 29, originally from Gateshead, were found guilty of murdering the toddler in March 2014.

Rachel Trelfa was ordered to spend a minimum of 23-and-a-half years in jail and Nyomi Fee, a minimum of 24 years.The solicitor acting for the social services watchdog urged the Scottish Social Services Council hearing to find her guilty of misconduct.

Gary Burton said that by not progressing cases properly she has failed to protect children from the danger of harm.

The hearing previously heard that Lesley Bate was erratic, disorganised and chaotic.

She has not appearred at the hearing but denies the charges.

The committee will deliver its findings at a later date.