WARBOYS PARAMEDIC ANDREW WHEELER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Warboys and the wider Cambridgeshire area, Andrew Wheeler, a 46-year-old former paramedic, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses. The conviction stems from a detailed trial at Peterborough Crown Court, where Wheeler was proven to have committed heinous acts against vulnerable individuals while on duty, exploiting the trust placed in him as a healthcare professional.

Wheeler, who resided in Warboys, was convicted of six separate sexual offenses, including the rape and sexual assault of two women, as well as two counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13. The incidents involving the young girl were not connected to his professional duties, but the other offenses occurred during his time working for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), which covers six counties in the region.

The court heard that Wheeler, operating from a single-crew rapid response vehicle, was called to assist a woman who was intoxicated and had collapsed at a friend’s house in September 2018. After arriving at the scene, Wheeler assured his colleagues, who had also responded in an ambulance, that he had the situation under control and sent them away. Instead of continuing with his duties, Wheeler drove the woman to her residence, where he committed the assault, raping her and engaging in sexual acts without her consent. The victim later described the profound impact of the assault, stating in a victim impact statement, "I have no faith in the NHS and I’ve avoided seeing a paramedic and attending the hospital just because of what happened." She added that she experiences flashbacks and has become reclusive, unable to cope with everyday life.

Further details revealed that Wheeler also raped a second woman who was not a patient, and sexually assaulted her in the back of his ambulance a year later when she was under medical care. These acts, along with the initial assault, highlighted a pattern of predatory behavior that exploited his position of authority and trust.

During the trial, Wheeler’s defense, led by Jennifer Dempster QC, emphasized that he had no prior convictions and had contributed positively to society in various ways. However, Judge Matthew Lowe, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, condemning Wheeler’s arrogance and sense of invincibility, which he believed were rooted in his role as a paramedic. The judge stated that Wheeler would never again work in a similar capacity, emphasizing that he had shown no remorse for his actions. Wheeler was also subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his future conduct.

Wheeler’s employment history with EEAST was marked by suspension in 2018 and eventual dismissal in September 2019, following the charges brought against him. The ambulance service responded to the case by confirming that they had taken swift action to report, suspend, and dismiss Wheeler once allegations surfaced. Despite the conviction, Wheeler was cleared of seven other charges, and prosecutors announced they would not pursue a retrial on five additional charges where the jury could not reach a verdict.

In summary, the case of Andrew Wheeler has highlighted the dangers of abuse of power within healthcare settings and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The community of Warboys and the surrounding areas are left to grapple with the disturbing reality of a trusted professional turning into a sexual predator, and the justice system’s firm response aims to serve as a warning to others in similar positions of trust.