A former nursing assistant at a psychiatric unit was convicted at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (October 23rd) of five sexual assaults against a female patient in 2000/2001.
David Dickson, now 51, was sentenced to a total of eight years’ imprisonment for rape, attempted rape and three indecent assaults against his victim – who is now 52 – at Woodlands Psychiatric Unit, Hastings.
A joint investigation took place between the East Sussex Anti Victimisation Unit (AVU) and the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Detective Inspector Fran Mitchell from the AVU said: “Although these type of incidents are rare, they are very traumatic for victims and need to be handled sensitively. Officers from my unit are very skilled in dealing with vulnerable adults and receive specialist training to ensure that our investigations are of the highest standard.
“The securing of a conviction in this case was an example of the positive work that AVU does with the most vulnerable people in our community, which in the long term ensures that the public are protected from those who commit sexual assaults against them.”
A spokesperson for Sussex Partnership added: “We are thoroughly appalled by this case and commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and subsequently giving evidence. We will not tolerate any form of abuse or discrimination towards anyone in our care and will always contact police when any form of mistreatment is suspected.
“At the time of the offence the unit in question was run by our predecessor, East Sussex County Healthcare NHS Trust, which was dissolved and eventually incorporated into Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
“Sussex Partnership now has robust mechanisms in place to ensure everything possible is done to avoid incidents such as this one occurring in future. Background checks on potential employees are now standard and an established whistle-blowing policy is in place which encourages staff and others to report any concerns or suspicions of ill-treatment.”