EASTLEIGH NURSE JAILED FOR NEGLECTING THREE TEENAGE CANCER PATIENTS
An Eastleigh nurse who contaminated blood samples, used a dirty needle, and caused severe pain to three young cancer patients has been jailed for 15 months.Emma Sinclair, 30, of Desborough Road, admitted three counts of ill-treatment and wilful neglect of teenagers under her care while working as a community nurse for Solent NHS Trust, now part of Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust.
The offences took place on 6 February 2024, during a series of home visits across Southampton, where Sinclair was accompanied by a student nurse.
Sinclair, an Australian national, moved to the city in 2020 and joined the NHS Trust three years later.
She pleaded guilty to all three charges in September before being sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, 3 November.
Previously the court heard how Sinclair's actions delayed vital chemotherapy treatments for two of the teenagers, while leaving the third in severe pain.
Addressing Sinclair during sentencing, His Honour Judge Peters, said: "You have completely failed in your work as a trained nurse in the care of these children.
You have lacked genuine remorse and have made numerous attempts to avoid responsibility for what had happened.
This court cannot overlook the seriousness of this matter." In addition to the time she will now spend behind bars, Sinclair has also been made subject to a ten-year restraining order, preventing contact with the victims.
Speaking after sentencing, police staff investigator, Rebecca Stevens, who led the investigation, praised the victims and their families for their courage throughout.
PSI Stevens, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "I am pleased for the young victims and their families that justice has now been served and that they can now attempt to move on with their lives, knowing that Sinclair is in prison and can no longer harm any other vulnerable child.
"Their bravery and support throughout our investigation has been integral to achieving the outcome we have today.
"Sinclair abused her trusted position in the most serious way and has now been held accountable for her actions.
While I know today’s sentencing won’t rid the victims and family members of the memories of what happened to them, I truly hope the justice handed down is of some comfort to them as they look to the future."
