CARE WORKER JAILED OVER PATIENT SEXUAL ABUSE
A care worker who was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a mentally disordered patient has been jailed.David Shorrock, aged 53, was found guilty in January by a jury of committing the offense while employed at a facility in Great Harwood.
Shorrock, who resides on Ballantrae Road in Blackburn, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, but Judge Richard Gioserano pointed out that a pre-sentence report indicated he was repeating the same false narrative that the jury had already rejected.
During the hearing at Preston Crown Court, prosecutor Francis McEntee mentioned that Shorrock appeared to be disturbed by a colleague while engaged in sexual activity with the patient.
A brief CCTV clip captured him lying between the patient's legs with his trousers undone.
Although Shorrock often managed the patient's cleaning routines and did not specifically plan the act, the prosecution suggested the incident was opportunistic.
Legal representative Richard English argued against immediate imprisonment, highlighting Shorrock's clean criminal record and lack of previous sexual offenses since 2009.
Judge Gioserano emphasized the breach of trust, describing it as 'gross.' He stated that Shorrock, being responsible for the patient's most personal care, was regularly alone with her in her room.
The judge also indicated that Shorrock was aware of the patient's vulnerabilities.
He remarked that Shorrock likely believed he would not be caught and expressed disbelief at his misconduct, considering his long tenure at the home.
Ultimately, Shorrock received a nine-month prison sentence and was ordered to comply with sex offender notification for the next decade.
