A CARE home worker from Pontypool, who stands on trial accused of ill treating a severely disabled man, yesterday denied abuse ever happened.

Phillip Forward, 51, of The Cottages, Pontnewynydd, gave evidence at Cardiff Crown Court where he is accused of placing 50-year-old Andrew Thomas in a bear hug and, in another incident, knelt on his back placing one hand over his mouth.

Forward denies ill treatment or neglect of a person who lacks capacity.

The court heard how Forward was working as an auxiliary nurse at Twyn Glas residential care home in Blackwood where Mr Thomas was one of five residents.

Forward told the court that on the night of December 28, 2010, Mr Thomas had woken up and was seen on monitors in the home’s living room displaying self-injuries behaviour.

The court heard this could involve Mr Thomas hitting his head.

Forward said this was “quite severe” and that he went to see him with colleague Annette Vaughan.

He said he checked to see if Mr Thomas was comfortable and took him to the bathroom, supporting him either side by the elbow and wrist.

Forward said Mr Thomas was taken back to his bedroom and rolled him on to his front as this is where he is “happiest”.

He said Mr Thomas settled down and he returned to the living room before Mr Thomas woke up again at around 4am.

Forward told the court he sat on the edge of Mr Thomas’s bed and reassured him.

He said that if Mr Thomas hit his head he would gently bring his arm down.

Forward said that on both occasions he was with Ms Vaughan who he said assessed Mr Thomas and said he should be given paracetamol.

Forward said: “Andrew is extremely difficult and very demanding.”

When asked by Christian Howells, defending, if Mr Thomas ever tested his patience, Forward said: “No.”

Forward said: “You just have to persevere and talk to Andrew.”

Evidence was also heard from Ms Vaughan who said she had been on the computer upstairs for part of the night, carrying out online training.

The jury retired yesterday to consider its verdict.

Proceeding.