GSCC get it right we think on this one ………….
22-01-10
There are a further two reported findings of the GSCC, the first regards Daniel Bester (see here: http://www.gscc.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/51285270-EB92-4B00-97D8-C95320890348/0/NOTICEOFDECISIONBESTER.pdf)
Bester is SUSPENDED for 12 months because he failed to report or take any action after he became aware that a colleague was having a sexual relationship with a 14 year old child. Now, I have many times, Wilt is a very simple fellow but does suspension really suffice in this case whereby, although indirectly as far as Bester is concerned, a service user – indeed a child – was being directly harmed.
Does that make sense, I mean stopping at a suspension? Compare it with the case of Herbert Yaweh who was guilty in effect for dishonesty, and a pattern of dishonesty as set out here: http://www.gscc.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/68A243B9-7215-4B7F-A12E-DA2055BEEA38/0/NOTICEOFDECISIONYAWEH.pdf
Yaweh was REMOVED from the register, and I have no quarrel with that as the GSCC maintain he showed little insight and the behaviour (in various forms) was part of a pattern of behaviour, whereas Bester admitted he was wrong, grossly wrong, and it was a one off “offence.”
Now one cannot in one sense go behind the GSCC findings on Bester – the Committee would have had far more details than could be reasonably recorded in their Notice and although Wilt likes to bash the GSCC at any opportunity (thus mimicking/emulating the GSCC approach to Registrants) it does seem in this case to warrant something more than a tabloid response (which the GSCC themselves have been accused of at times – or at least pampering to the tabloids).
Bester, who must be feeling gutted at his poor choice of decision not to disclose relevant facts, might be feeling relieved that he can, after a time of reflection, return to the profession. I for one do not wallow in any sense of shame or distress he may be feeling – assuming the GSCC got it right he must be feeling terrible, although one hopes not as terrible as TWAT he failed to report for sexually abusing anyone, let alone a 14 year old service user. It is him that makes me angry.
No doubt the tabloids will pick up on this news story, but on this occasion I actually think the GSCC got it right – Wilt being long in the tooth and not easily intimidated would not have made the same error in not reporting the abuse – but he reflects, when he was younger, green and finding his way in a complex profession (with then no written rules) he might have made a similar error – Wilt doubts it very much as he is a feisty bastard and knows what is abusive and what is not, but he has to admit, well perhaps he could have made a youthful error. We, even Wilt it is rumoured, to be human, and as an imperfect species we must have the opportunity to learn and change.
So, GSCC well done on this one – Wilt is impressed.
Wilt