CHARLES WATSON FROM HOLYWOOD SENTENCED FOR HISTORICAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AT BELFAST'S ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL

In June 2018, a former nurse at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital, Charles Watson, aged 83 and residing on Carlston Avenue in Holywood, Co Down, was sentenced to a two-year probation order after pleading guilty to indecently assaulting a teenage male patient. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing history of misconduct spanning several years, dating back to the mid-1980s.

Watson faced charges of two counts of indecent assault on the same victim, with the incidents occurring between December 1984 and January 1987. The Belfast Crown Court was informed that during this period, the victim, a 16-year-old male, was referred to the Genito Urinary Medicines (GUM) unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital after contracting a sexually transmitted disease. At that time, Watson was employed as a clinical nursing supervisor within the GUM unit.

Prosecution lawyer Robin Steer detailed that during a testing procedure, Watson sexually assaulted the young patient, an act that lasted approximately three minutes. On a subsequent occasion, after the victim was again referred to the same unit following another STD diagnosis, Watson committed a similar sexual assault. The court heard that although the victim was aware that these acts were wrong, he did not disclose the abuse until 1998, when he confided in a close friend.

Further incidents were revealed when, in 2005, the victim contracted yet another STD and was referred back to the GUM unit. This time, the testing was conducted by a different nurse, and no assault occurred. However, the court was told that in September 2016, the victim, now an adult, was working on repairs at a house in Holywood. During this work, he recognized the homeowner as the same nurse who had assaulted him over two decades earlier. The victim confronted Watson, who responded with a simple, “I agree,” acknowledging the past misconduct.

Judge Gordon Kerr QC emphasized that the sexual assaults represented a serious breach of trust, especially given Watson’s role as a nurse and the victim’s status as a patient. The judge described the case as a breach of professional trust and highlighted the impact on the victim. In mitigation, Watson’s legal team pointed out that he had a previously unblemished record and expressed remorse for his actions. Defense lawyer Declan Quinn explained that Watson was a homosexual who had to conceal his sexuality during his early years due to legal restrictions. He also noted that Watson had been in a long-term relationship with his partner, known as ‘Paddy,’ for over 50 years.

Watson’s career in the health service spanned 30 years, during which he was regarded by colleagues as having a good work record. Following his guilty plea, Watson was required to resign from his voluntary work with his church. The court considered the case a significant example of historical sexual abuse, with the offenses spanning three years and involving a vulnerable young patient.

Judge Kerr assessed Watson as a low risk of reoffending and stated that he posed no danger to the public. The judge followed the recommendation in the probation report, imposing a two-year probation order to provide Watson with necessary supervision and support. However, he issued a stern warning that failure to adhere to the probation officer’s guidance could result in resentencing, which would be disadvantageous to Watson. Additionally, Watson was placed under a notification requirement for the next five years, mandating registration and monitoring of his status during this period.