A CARE worker will now seek compensation after council bosses finally accepted liability for a vicious attack, by a 14-year-old boy, which left her badly hurt.

Jennier Stafford, 40, was working at Hargrave House when she was attacked by the teenager in 2011.

During the attack her top was ripped and she was repeatedly hit on the neck by the boy, leaving her with bruising and severe scratches.

Essex County Council, whom she’s employed by, has admitted liability for the incident. Ms Stafford said she was unable to call for help during the incident as the panic alarm system had been switched off. She is now seeking compensation for the injuries she received.

Ms Stafford said: “This was a terrifying incident that has knocked my confidence and left with me with lasting physical injuries. I loved my job, but it could be dangerous because of the issues some of our patients had.

“I had trusted that I was protected because of the alarm I had been given and I never would have imagined that it would have been turned off.”

Stuart Bacon, a personal injury lawyer at BTMK Solicitors, who represents Ms Stafford, said: “Jennifer believed she could call for support at the push of a button should anything happen, but, when this terrifying incident occurred and she needed that support no-one came because the alarm had been disabled.”

A spokesperson for the County Council said: “This was a serious incident and we deeply regret the injuries and distress it caused to Ms Stafford.

“We have worked with the Health and Safety Executive to make sure all our procedures and practices are fully compliant so that all our staff working in care settings with children with disabilities can do so safely.”