CARE WORKER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF VULNERABLE RESIDENT
A care home resident with learning difficulties was deeply traumatised after being the victim of sexual abuse by his support worker.On Friday, Damon Suthers, aged 32, was convicted of abusing the vulnerable individual during an incident on November 4 last year.
The court found Suthers guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a person with a mental disorder while performing his duties as a care worker.
The verdict also included Suthers' sexual assault of the same individual in 2019, which involved oral sex, ejaculation on the victim, and kissing, as outlined in the court proceedings.
The abuse was uncovered when the victim disclosed the assaults to his family, leading to an investigation by West Yorkshire Police.
Suthers was subsequently arrested.
During the sentencing hearing, Recorder Peter Makepeace KC remarked that the incidents took place within the safety of the victim’s own bedroom.
He detailed how Suthers entered the room, kissed the victim, removed his clothing, and performed oral sex.
Evidence was presented that Suthers showed the victim pornography and exposed himself at other times, and that he encouraged the victim to send indecent images, though he was not charged with some of these offences.
Police revealed that Suthers exploited his trust over a three-week period in 2019.
When questioned during arrest, Suthers denied the allegations.
His defence attorney, Andrew Blair Semple, highlighted that Suthers had no prior convictions and possessed positive character references, also noting his previously good professional history.
He added that mental health struggles have affected Suthers significantly since the offences, but that he has potential for rehabilitation.
Mr Semple also described how Suthers, from Wakefield, had suffered recent personal setbacks including unemployment, disability, and mental health crises, and that he had attempted suicide twice in recent years.
The court sentenced Suthers to 18 months for the oral sex offence, with concurrent shorter terms for other charges.
Leeds Police’s Detective Inspector Vikki Daniel-Thomas stated that Suthers used his trusted position to exploit a vulnerable resident, causing lasting emotional damage.
She emphasised that their safeguarding team investigates such offences thoroughly and supports victims throughout the legal process.
The case was prosecuted by Michael Azevedo Morley.
