Esther Adeleke was cleared at Maidstone Crown Court

by Keith Hunt and Julia Roberts

A nurse has been cleared of ill-treating an elderly Alzheimer's sufferer by slapping her around the face.

Esther Adeleke was alleged to have committed the offence at Ashley Gardens Care Centre, in Sutton Road, Maidstone.

But the 52-year-old, of Lower Road, Maidstone, denied ill-treatment or neglect of a person who lacks capacity and was found not guilty at the direction of Judge David Griffith-Jones QC.

Christopher Johnston, prosecuting, said Adeleke hit back after resident Yvonne Bartholomew, 73, slapped her in December 2010.

Colleague Jane Ashdown, who saw the incident, told the jury: "I was a bit shocked really. I didn't expect Esther to react in that way.

"I was concerned for her as well. She had had a bit of a day of it and was a bit stressed. I could sense the stress was there and think that accounts for her actions."

Mrs Bartholomew had been at the nursing home since February 2010. She was described as very tactile, often touching people's faces.

But Miss Ashdown said the pensioner did not like others "invading her personal space" and could be difficult.

Adeleke was handing over her shift to Miss Ashdown when the incident occurred. The two nurses were in a corridor when Mrs Bartholomew approached and, without warning, slapped Adeleke.

"Esther's left hand came up and slapped her around the face," said Miss Ashdown. "It was quick - a quick response. Yvonne shouted 'You b****' and was clearly shocked."

Mrs Bartholomew was left with a red mark on her face.

Adeleke was suspended the next day. She told police she pushed Mrs Bartholomew on the shoulder because she thought she was going to be hit again.

The prosecutor said Adeleke denied making any contact with Mrs Bartholomew's face.

"She said she would never hit a resident and did not hold Mrs Bartholomew responsible for her actions," he added.

The judge directed the jury to acquit Adeleke after submissions by her barrister.