A SOCIAL worker from Southend has been given a three-year warning after being issued with a restraining order following a stalking and harassment charge.

Bothwell Mabhena, from Southend, self-referred himself to Social Work England when renewing his professional registration in September 2020, six months after he had been arrested by police.

The social worker was in an on and off relationship until February 2020 when the relationship ended.

According to Social Work England documents, Mr Mabhena “persistently contacted” his ex partner and was accused of stalking them in public place.

He was arrested in March 2020 before being charged with stalking and harassment.

Mr Mabhena was not convicted of stalking or harassment, however a restraining order was put in place until August 2022.

After the social worker made Social Work England aware of the incident, a case examiner reviewed the information and this month proposed a three-year warning to Mr Mabhena, which he accepted.

The warning will remain on his file for three-years but he will be able to continue practicing as a social worker.

The document stated: “The social worker denies their practise is impaired.

“The social worker is remorseful and appears to accept responsibility for their conduct.

“The social worker states the breakdown of the relationship was traumatic, and they did not know how to deal with their emotions.”

In their conclusion, the case examiners noted: “There were multiple opportunities for the social worker to disclose the criminal proceedings to their employer and regulator, but did not do so until around six months after the first police involvement.

“There is no evidence that the social worker has acted dishonestly in respect of practice specific tasks, at any time throughout their employment history.”

The social worker was also warned that any further issues would result in sterner action.

They emphasised: “Your actions, specifically dishonestly relating to harassment conduct and failing to disclose criminal proceedings to your employer and regulator is a serious matter.

“Your conduct would significantly undermine public confidence in you, and the profession.”

According to Social Work England, Mr Mabhena works in Chelmsford.