A NURSING boss who was accused of being a bully was yesterday cleared of a catalogue of misconduct charges.
Allan Leslie Harling, 55, of Langley Park, Durham, faced 11 complaints of professional misconduct relating to his management style at Benfield Nursing Home, Blackhill, near Consett, County Durham, between 1997 and 2000.
But at a resumed hearing, the Nursing and Midwifery Council's professional conduct committee decided nine of the allegations were not proved beyond reasonable doubt. He was also cleared of a further two charges.
The former manager of the nursing home insisted colleagues had exaggerated tales of his "derogatory and inappropriate" behaviour.
He was accused of striking nurse Tracy Metcalfe in the stomach with a folder during a row, and was said to have told staff that nursing assistants "need their arses kicking".
Chairwoman Elizabeth Rush said the committee found Mr Harling to be a credible witness and could not find the charges proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sue Sleaman, for Mr Harling, said staff had resented his decisions not to change their shifts when they wanted
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