ROSS WHEELER FROM DUDLEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AT BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
| Red Rose Database
Dudley Sexual Abuser
A highly regarded manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital has been handed a prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman. Ross Wheeler, aged 57 and known to have connections to Dudley, committed the assault in a disturbing breach of trust and professional conduct. The incident took place in the early hours of February 17, 2022, when Wheeler entered the private space of an adult woman who was not a patient at the hospital, despite her clear objections.
According to court proceedings, Wheeler, who was serving as a theatre line manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, persuaded the woman—who was concerned about unwanted attention from another individual at the hospital—to allow him into her bedroom. The woman, who was sleeping at the time, was unaware of Wheeler’s intentions until she woke up and saw him there. She immediately told him to leave, which he did, but not before committing the assault. The attack involved penetration, and Wheeler’s actions were described as a serious violation of her personal boundaries and safety.
Following the incident, Wheeler sent the woman WhatsApp messages in which he expressed remorse, apologizing and stating that he 'fully deserved to be sacked.' Despite these messages, Wheeler later denied the assault during the trial, claiming that the woman had been 'encouraging' his actions, a defense that was rejected by the court.
Prosecutor Andrew Wallace detailed how Wheeler’s breach of boundaries was a calculated act that exploited the victim’s vulnerability while she was asleep. The court heard that Wheeler’s conduct was a clear violation of trust, especially given his role within the hospital environment. The judge, Melbourne Inman KC, emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting that the victim was unable to defend herself or prevent the assault due to her state of sleep and vulnerability.
During the trial, the defense highlighted Wheeler’s previously good character and expressed remorse, stating that he 'detests the pain he has caused.' They also pointed out that Wheeler has suffered significant personal consequences, including the loss of his job and the inability to meet his mortgage obligations. The defense acknowledged that Wheeler would never work again in the medical field.
On February 8, 2024, Wheeler was sentenced to five years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court, marking a significant moment of justice for the victim and a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding trust within healthcare environments.
According to court proceedings, Wheeler, who was serving as a theatre line manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, persuaded the woman—who was concerned about unwanted attention from another individual at the hospital—to allow him into her bedroom. The woman, who was sleeping at the time, was unaware of Wheeler’s intentions until she woke up and saw him there. She immediately told him to leave, which he did, but not before committing the assault. The attack involved penetration, and Wheeler’s actions were described as a serious violation of her personal boundaries and safety.
Following the incident, Wheeler sent the woman WhatsApp messages in which he expressed remorse, apologizing and stating that he 'fully deserved to be sacked.' Despite these messages, Wheeler later denied the assault during the trial, claiming that the woman had been 'encouraging' his actions, a defense that was rejected by the court.
Prosecutor Andrew Wallace detailed how Wheeler’s breach of boundaries was a calculated act that exploited the victim’s vulnerability while she was asleep. The court heard that Wheeler’s conduct was a clear violation of trust, especially given his role within the hospital environment. The judge, Melbourne Inman KC, emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting that the victim was unable to defend herself or prevent the assault due to her state of sleep and vulnerability.
During the trial, the defense highlighted Wheeler’s previously good character and expressed remorse, stating that he 'detests the pain he has caused.' They also pointed out that Wheeler has suffered significant personal consequences, including the loss of his job and the inability to meet his mortgage obligations. The defense acknowledged that Wheeler would never work again in the medical field.
On February 8, 2024, Wheeler was sentenced to five years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court, marking a significant moment of justice for the victim and a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding trust within healthcare environments.