JOHN BENNETT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN NEW FOREST

A community psychiatric nurse from New Forest was sentenced to two years in prison after engaging in a sexual relationship with a woman suffering from a mental disorder. The incident was exposed when the woman, who was in her late 40s, disclosed to her doctor that she had engaged in sexual activity with Bennett at her residence.

John Bennett, aged 44 and employed by the Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust, was arrested following this revelation. The case was heard at Southampton Crown Court, where Judge Derwin Hope condemned Bennett’s actions, emphasizing that such conduct represented a serious breach of trust. The judge noted that Bennett, who had been a qualified care worker since 2001 until his suspension in June 2010, exploited the vulnerabilities of the woman for his own benefit.

During the hearing, Judge Hope acknowledged that Bennett was generally seen as a caring individual and recognized that he had experienced personal difficulties. Nevertheless, the judge made it clear that, despite these factors, Bennett's behavior was unacceptable. The court was told that Bennett’s misconduct was serious enough to warrant immediate custody, and he was deprived of his professional duties as a healthcare worker.

Defense lawyer Christopher Baur argued that Bennett’s intentions were not malicious and that his client was undergoing treatment for mental health issues. Bennett had taken time off work due to depression but returned prematurely due to fears about losing his job. The lawyer also highlighted that Bennett and the woman shared mutual feelings, and if Bennett had been in a healthier mental state, he would likely have avoided such a situation.

Bennett, who resides on Wood Road in Ashurst, was convicted specifically of engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder in his capacity as a care worker. The case underscores the gravity of exploiting vulnerable individuals in caregiving roles, and Bennett’s actions have been met with strong judicial condemnation given the serious breach of professional and ethical boundaries.