WORKER SEXUALLY ABUSED MENTALLY ILL WOMAN IN HUDDERSFIELD CARE HOME
Care worker Andrew Houghton has been told to expect a prison sentence after he admitted sexual activity with a 63-year-old woman who suffered from a mental disorder.Houghton, 34, of Glenfield Avenue, Deighton, Huddersfield, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before a judge at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.
Houghton admitted intentionally touching the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, in circumstances which were sexual and when he was a person involved in her care.
Barrister Dr Tina Dempster said her client pleaded guilty to the offence on the basis that there was no penetration of the victim.
Prosecutor Heather Gilmore said it was a sensitive case and a great deal of consideration had been given to Houghton’s plea.
“I am satisfied that the plea is acceptable and the defendant’s account is acceptable to the crown,” said Mrs Gilmore.
Dr Dempster asked for Houghton’s case to be adjourned for the preparation of a psychiatric report and Judge Jonathan Rose agreed to grant Houghton bail with conditions pending his sentence hearing on June 1.
“Andrew Houghton you have pleaded guilty to an offence involving sexual activity with a woman who was mentally disordered and in your care.
That is a serious matter,” Judge Rose told the defendant.
He stressed that the fact that he was granting him bail and adjourning the case for reports was no indication of the eventual sentence.
“All sentencing options are open and that includes imprisonment,” said Judge Rose.
“Indeed you should expect the imposition of a custodial sentence for an offence of this type.”
