THE social worker who failed to act in the tragic case of baby Aaron Gilbert has been struck off.

Eleni Cordingley admitted misconduct at a hearing in Cardiff, where she was judged to have shown “extremely poor judgment” in the case of 13-month-old Aaron.

He died in May 2005 after being beaten by his mother’s partner Andrew Lloyd. Aaron suffered a significant brain injury and almost 50 external injuries.

Mrs Cordingley can no longer practise as a social worker anywhere in the UK. She has also been suspended by Swansea Council, following the two-day Care Council for Wales hearing.

Aaron’s father is now calling for a personal apology.

Gareth Gilbert said: “I was disappointed that little seemed to have been done when the first review was carried out, so I am pleased to hear about this. I agree with every word of the judgment. Nothing will ever replace Aaron. But I think this person involved should make an apology to me personally. I have a meeting next month with Swansea’s Steve Walker, head of children and family services, and I will raise this with him.”

The Care Council committee also rapped Swansea Council for not disclosing the results of an internal disciplinary hearing for months.

The council said this was an unfortunate oversight.

The committee heard how a Swansea social services team received two anonymous calls expressing concern about baby Aaron’s family shortly before his murder.

Aaron was referred to as Child A throughout the hearing.

The committee said: “In failing to act appropriately in response to the complaints between April 27 and May 5, 2005, you (Mrs Cordingley) are guilty of misconduct by putting Child A at risk.

“By exercising extremely poor judgment, you failed to work in a safe and effective way.”

It added: “The misconduct admitted in this case is considered to be so serious that removal from the register is the only appropriate sanction.”

Aaron died at the hands of Andrew Lloyd, the partner of his mother Rebecca Lewis.

Lewis had formed a relationship with Lloyd after splitting up with Aaron’s father, Gareth Gilbert.

Lloyd and Lewis, formerly of Gwylfa Road, Townhill, were jailed in 2006 — Lloyd for a minimum of 24 years, and Lewis for six years for failing to prevent her son’s killing.

A Swansea Council spokesman said the authority was very sorry for the tragedy.

He said: “Following the care council’s decision, we have taken immediate steps to suspend the social worker.

“We will also need to consider what further action may be necessary in the light of the evidence and outcome of the care council hearing.”

He added that Aaron had not been on the risk register in the weeks leading up to his death, and that important lessons had been learned following a separate review of the case.

Wendy Fitzgerald, cabinet member for social services, added: “Since Aaron’s tragic death we have introduced a number of improvements to services.

“This year alone, we have invested more than £350,000 to recruit additional social workers.

“We have improved services, and will continue to work with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate to bring about further improvements.”