MICHAEL CROSSLAND FROM POLEGATE SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS IN SUSSEX

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Polegate and the wider Sussex area, Michael Crossland, a psychiatric nurse, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the heinous crimes of sexual assault and rape against two of his patients. The disturbing details of the case emerged during a two-week trial at Hove Crown Court, where Crossland, aged 33, was found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of rape and eleven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a mental health patient.

Crossland’s actions have been described as a gross betrayal of the trust placed in him as a healthcare professional. The court heard how he manipulated his victims, both of whom cannot be publicly identified, to engage in sexual acts, which he later forced them to perform in degrading circumstances. The judge, Mr. Justice Rennie, emphasized the severity of the breach of professional ethics and the abuse of vulnerable individuals.

The first victim was admitted to the psychiatric unit at Eastbourne District Hospital in April 2007. After her discharge, Crossland, who resided at Park Croft in Polegate, persuaded her to meet him outside the hospital. Their relationship escalated to sexual encounters at his home while his wife was away. This relationship lasted approximately six months before it ended.

The second victim was admitted to the same psychiatric unit in August 2007. During her stay, Crossland engaged in inappropriate conduct, including sending her explicit videos and sexually explicit text messages via a mobile phone he had provided her. He had sexual encounters with her at the hospital on at least seven occasions, including in an office and in the car park during his breaks. After her discharge, he took her to his home in Polegate while his wife was absent, where he raped her.

Following his arrest, Crossland initially denied having any sexual contact with his patients. However, evidence presented during the trial proved otherwise. The court was informed that although both women had initially consented to sexual activity, it is illegal for a healthcare professional to engage in sexual relations with a patient, regardless of consent. This breach of trust and abuse of power led to his conviction.

As part of his sentence, Crossland was issued a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from working with vulnerable individuals in the future. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The judge underscored the importance of safeguarding vulnerable members of society and warned that those who abuse their positions of trust will face severe consequences, including lengthy imprisonment.