2010: SEX ABUSE CARE HOME WORKER JAILED
A disgraced care worker at a Great Yarmouth nursing home, who was convicted of forcing a 72-year-old resident suffering from Alzheimer's disease to perform a sex act, was last night starting an eight-year jail sentence.Dennis Compson, 56, was seen by a member of staff at the care home getting the female resident to perform a sex act.
The staff member later reported the matter and Compson was arrested after the police were informed.
Compson, of Havelock Road, Great Yarmouth, had denied sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder, who is unable to give consent, but was convicted following a trial and appeared for sentence yesterday at Norwich Crown Court.
Jailing him, Judge Simon Barham said: "The victim was an elderly patient in that home and she was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and was unable to communicate in any way.
You were aware of her condition and knew that she was unable to complain about your conduct.
The offence occurred during the course of your employment." The judge also placed Compson on the sex offenders' register for life, but he accepted a psychiatric report, which showed that Compson was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the offence and that could have affected his behaviour.
An independent panel will also be informed about Compson's conviction, which could lead to him being barred from ever working with vulnerable people again.
Jonathan Goodman, for Compson, said that he was suffering from a mental illness at the time.
He said: "Prior to this incident his work was exemplary and he was a caring and attentive care worker to all the patients in his care." After the case, Det Con Donna Day, of Norfolk police's Adult Abuse Investigation Unit, said: "The victim in this case is extremely vulnerable and was completely betrayed by the person entrusted with her care.
The effect on the victim's family, who were present throughout the trial, has been very traumatic".
