PAISLEY CARER FACES JAIL FOR ABUSING VULNERABLE TEEN
A 34-year-old woman named Harriet Jackson, who was working as a carer, engaged in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable 16-year-old boy while she was supposed to be caring for him.Jackson, who is married and a mother of three, breached her professional trust by bedding the teenager in his council flat where she stayed overnight.
The incident came to light after the boy confided in another worker, leading to police involvement.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told police, "I knew what she was doing was wrong." Jackson admitted to having sex with the boy at Paisley's sheriff court, just minutes before her trial was due to commence.
Prosecutors stated that her relationship with the boy began professionally but escalated into flirtation, with Jackson kissing and having sex in his bed, an act later confirmed by forensic DNA tests revealing her DNA on his sheets.
Jackson, who was employed to help the boy adjust to life post-care, was moved to overnight shifts and stayed in his residence, where the abuse occurred on February 7 and again on Valentine’s Day.
She showed no emotion during the court hearing and claimed to have given a 'no comment' interview to police.
Her plea of guilty was entered to engaging in sexual activity with a person under 18 while in a position of trust.
The court ordered her to sign the sex offenders register and released her on bail until sentencing, which is scheduled for next month.
The teenager was under support from local authorities due to learning difficulties and ADHD, and the abuse caused significant distress to his family, who described him as very immature for his age.
Jackson's case has raised serious concerns within the community and the support organization she worked for, Catch Scotland, which offers structured exit strategies for young people in care.
The company declined to comment publicly on the case.
