Sentence Hiked for Hospital Sex Assaults

A healthcare support worker convicted of sexually assaulting two patients during bogus examinations in a hospital has seen his prison term extended by a third to 12 years.

The Court of Appeal reviewed the case, highlighting the severe breach of trust and other aggravating factors. It determined that the initial nine-year sentence failed to match the seriousness of the crimes.

Details of the Offenses

The assaults occurred at Grange Hospital in Cwmbran in August 2021. The worker targeted vulnerable women lying in pain, including one who had recently undergone surgery. In some instances, he performed the fake checks without wearing gloves.

Last year, a jury convicted him on six counts of sexual assault and three counts of assault by penetration.

Impact on Victims

Court proceedings revealed profound harm to the victims. One woman attempted suicide three times, while the other received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Appeal Hearing

During the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, Nadeem Holland, representing the Solicitor General, argued that the trial judge overlooked key aggravating elements and the significant violation of trust.

Marian Lewis, for the defense, maintained that the original judge was best positioned to set the sentence and described the acts as opportunistic rather than premeditated.

Lord Justice Singh declared the nine-year term unduly lenient, stating: “The overall sentence did have to reflect the gravity of the offending as a whole.”

The revised sentence totals 12 years, comprising consecutive seven-year and five-year terms for the assaults on each victim. The offender joined the proceedings via video link from HMP Parc in Bridgend but offered no statement.