A carer abused a young woman at a home for people with learning difficulties, a professional panel has ruled.

David Cunningham was working at the home in the Highlands when the incident happened in February 2015, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) heard.

The panel was told he had "acted in an inappropriate sexual manner" with the woman.

The SSSC removed Cunningham from the carers register but a police investigation found there was not enough evidence to charge him with a crime.

The young woman suffers "continuing distress" and fears meeting Cunningham again, the SSSC said.

In a written judgment addressed to Cunningham, who denies the charges, the SSSC said: "In acting as you did in terms of the facts found proved, you had abused the service user.

"You behaved in a way in work which would call into question your suitability to work in social services."

The panel concluded: "The misconduct found was very serious and deliberate."