A private care home nurse who took a television belonging to an elderly X-Factor fan was let off with a caution today.

Rosaline Appice removed the flat screen television after the dementia patient complained it was not working.

Appice claimed she took the television because it was faulty, and insisted she returned it the next day on the advice of her husband.

But the TV was found outside the gates of the BUPA-run River Court Nursing Home in Watford, more than four months later, the Nursing and Midwifery Council heard.

A misconduct panel today (Thurs) gave Appice a caution for dishonestly taking the television. Panel chair Elsbeth Metcalfe said: 'This was an isolated incident where Miss Appice made no personal gain as a result of her dishonesty. 'The television which she took was returned to its owner. 'Her behaviour did not cause direct or indirect patient harm, and the registrant has shown insight into her conduct. 'Miss Appice insists she has learnt her lesson, and the panel accepts this.'

The panel was told Miss Appice has struggled to find work since the incident after telling potential employers of the investigation into her conduct. She was handed a five-year caution and but her name remains on the register of nurses.