An autistic child who alleges that he was locked in a toilet by his carer has secured compensation.

Alex Berry, now 15, was left in the care of Siobhan Quinn in May 2005 as usual. She looked after the youngster in her own home in Dublin.

However, it is claimed that on this occasion, she left the house and secured 11-year-old Alex in a downstairs toilet while she was away.

Alex suffers from severe autism and cannot be left alone. His father Peter alleges that he arrived at Ms Quinn’s house to find her unlocking the toilet and letting Alex – who was in a distressed state – out.

With the assistance of his family, Alex took legal action against Ms Quinn, as well as Northside Home Care Services (her employer) and the Health Service Executive.

Mr Justice John Quirke ruled Ms Quinn’s behaviour to be "scandalous" and "dreadful".

Although the parties being sued did not admit liability for their negligence, it was agreed that Alex should receive a payout of £42,300 to cover the pain and suffering he was caused.

According to the National Autistic Society, over half a million people in the UK have autism, a figure which equates to around one in 100 people.