An 80-year-old woman who accused a carer of assault could be uncooperative and downright nasty, a jury was told.

Kathleen Burnside, who shared the care of pensioner Betty Sunderland with Jacqueline Wright, wrote in a care log that their patient often lied and disobeyed orders.

In the report, read to jury at Doncaster Crown Court yesterday, she said: "Betty is playing one member of staff against another and telling lies that one day will get us in serious bother.

"Her uncooperativeness will lead to a serious injury. I am not prepared to accept responsibility because every possible level of care has been provided."

Wright, 43, of Pickard Close, Barnoldswick, denies two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, allegedly made in March 1997 at Miss Sunderland's Cullingworth home.

Miss Burnside, who worked for Keighley-based Dalesway Nursing Services with Wright, told the court Miss Sunderland had accused her and two other carers of assaulting her in February 1997.

She explained the carers logged details of each shift so they could defend themselves against such claims. Miss Burnside said Miss Sunderland, who had Parkinson's Disease, would deliberately soil herself and would try to walk unaided despite being unsteady.

She said: "She had a funny little look that she'd give. You'd know she was doing it on purpose."

Miss Burnside told the court she had been so miserable caring for Miss Sunderland she had considered leaving her job.

But she added the care log entries were often made when she was angry and her patient could have good days when she was good company.

Earlier, prosecution barrister Andrea Addleman said Wright had forced toilet paper in to Miss Sunderland's mouth and hit her legs with a metal ruler.

The case continues.

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