HUDDERSFIELD CARE WORKER JAILED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT ON VULNERABLE WOMAN
Richard Buchanan, aged 56, a care worker from Huddersfield, groomed a highly vulnerable woman with a learning disability and engaged in a sexual assault with her in a toilet at a day centre.He exchanged 800 texts with her, signing off one message as “Missing you sexy,” and gave her gifts including a phone charger, chocolate, Coca Cola, and a handbag from a charity shop.
Although he had undergone safeguarding training, Buchanan proceeded to establish contact and develop a relationship, despite knowing that such contact was inappropriate and against regulations.
He did not have day-to-day care of the victim but befriended her.
Court proceedings revealed that Buchanan had anal sex with her after they undressed in a disabled toilet.
The victim’s mother became suspicious after her daughter brought gifts from Buchanan and initially accused another person but later confirmed the gifts were from Buchanan, who had told her they had kissed and cuddled.
When questioned by police, Buchanan claimed the young woman 'told tall stories' and 'had come on to him.' He admitted he found her attractive and had bought her gifts.
He also insisted the sex was consensual and believed she was capable of consenting.
The victim's mother reported her daughter now cries often and does not like leaving home, while the victim herself described feeling paranoid, insecure, emotional daily, and having difficulty sleeping.
Buchanan pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker.
He was sentenced to four years and five months in prison and received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to sign the sex offender register without a time limit.
The judge highlighted that Buchanan groomed his victim until she believed he loved her, exploiting her vulnerabilities as she could not effectively resist his advances.
The police officer involved expressed praise for the victim’s bravery and hoped the sentence would provide her some comfort.
