CLAIMS of physical and mental abuse at a New Milton rest home were heard at an employment tribunal on Wednesday.

Andrea Bungard was sacked from her post as manager at Chestnut Court in Copse Road last year for gross misconduct after allegedly stealing money that was given to the home as a gift for staff - a charge she was cleared of at Winchester Crown Court in July.

The hearing also heard how she received warning letters for not administering or disposing of medicine properly, not following proper procedures and for having a bad attitude.

But the 37-year-old from Robin Grove, New Milton, is claiming she was unfairly dismissed and her solicitor, David Williams, said her case will reveal that Mrs Bungard blew the whistle on alleged abuse at the home - concerns she will claim were ignored by her bosses.

Quizzing her former employer Mr Kebbsany Thilaganathan, Mr Williams said: "Mrs Bungard raised questions of the running of the home to you, a number of incidents were brought to your attention of physical and mental abuse to residents.

"Mrs Bungard will say that she reported to you about one incident in February 2000 where a resident was left in a chair all night, in her night dress, with the window open, left to sit in her own urine and excrement."

Mr Williams also said other incidents involved forcing residents to take medication, hiding drugs in food and forcing one resident to clear up their own excrement.

But Mr Thilaganathan told the tribunal no alleged incidents of abuse were ever brought to his attention or to the attention of Hampshire Social Services.

The hearing will resume in January, when Mrs Bungard will give her evidence.