A nurse assaulted a 99-year-old woman at a Bristol care home, a court heard.

Elizbieta Rzepecka twice covered the mouth of frail Hilda Weekes to stop her screaming as the nurse and a colleague tried to wash and dress the elderly resident.

Bristol Magistrates' Court heard that she then threw a cardigan over Mrs Weekes' head as the pensioner sat on the toilet, saying: "I've got a parrot at home. When it squawks, I put a cover over it."

Rzepecka, who had been a registered nurse in her native Poland for 29 years, moved to the UK in August 2007 and in November that year she took a position as a care assistant at St Georges Care Centre, in Kenn Road, St George.

The 51-year-old wanted to eventually work as a medical nurse in this country but had to learn the English language first.

The court heard how on March 30 this year, Rzepecka, of Buller Road, Knowle, was carrying out her morning duties washing and dressing between eight and 10 residents with her colleague Amy Horseman.

It was noon when they got to Mrs Weekes' room and they found the pensioner sitting in her armchair in a distressed state. She screamed and shouted as Miss Horseman and Rzepecka attempted to wash and clothe her.

After the incident, Miss Horseman removed the cardigan and challenged her colleague about her behaviour.

She reported the incident to her manager, who suspended Rzepecka and contacted the police.

Miss Horseman, who has worked at the care home for two-and-a-half years, told the court that when her colleague threw a cardigan over Mrs Weekes head the pensioner looked "stunned and shocked". She said: "I said this wasn't a parrot, this was a human being and her name is Hilda Weekes. It made me feel very angry and upset."

Rzepecka categorically denied ever placing her hand over Mrs Weekes' mouth and nose.

Julie Philips, defending, said it was Rzepecka's case that the cardigan got caught and "fell" onto Mrs Weekes' head as she was putting it onto the toilet cistern, ready to dress her.

In finding Rzepecka guilty, presiding magistrate Rachael Simmins said Miss Horseman had given a credible account of what happened and added: "What happened was not perceived to be an accident."

Sentencing was adjourned until January 14 for probation reports.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council told the Evening Post that Rzepecka is not registered as a nurse with them and any conviction would be considered if she did apply to work as a nurse in this country.

Emma Charlton, spokesperson for the St George Care Centre, said: "The home manager at St George alerted the police, the Safeguarding Adults Team and Hilda's family as soon as the incident occurred and Ms Rzepecka was suspended immediately. Following an internal investigation and liaison with the police she was subsequently dismissed. I'm very glad to report that Hilda is doing well and is looking forward to a peaceful Christmas at St George."