FORMER NURSE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AN 85-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN HER HOME
Steven Hicks, aged 60, was a healthcare professional involved in providing care to a woman following her discharge from hospital after suffering a fall.On the evening of January 5, 2022, Hicks visited the woman's residence in Earley, Berkshire, dressed in medical attire and concealing his identity with a surgical mask and thick-rimmed glasses.
This visit was unplanned and took place during the evening hours.
During this visit, Hicks committed a sexual assault against the woman, an act that would later lead to his conviction.
Hicks denied any involvement in the assault, asserting his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
However, the jury was convinced of his guilt after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) presented compelling forensic evidence and phone data that directly linked him to the crime.
DNA analysis revealed that Hicks' genetic material matched samples found on the woman's body and her clothing, establishing a clear biological connection.
Furthermore, mobile phone location data contradicted Hicks' claim that he was at home on the night of the assault, indicating that he was, in fact, near the victim’s address in Earley at the relevant time.
The case was further supported by a detailed account from the victim, who described the events that transpired during the assault.
Additionally, footage from her video doorbell confirmed that someone had visited her residence that evening, corroborating her testimony and the phone location data.
Investigations also revealed that Hicks had accessed the woman's medical records multiple times while she was receiving outpatient care.
Notably, these accesses occurred during periods when Hicks was on annual leave and had no legitimate reason to review her records.
The woman had cancelled any scheduled evening care visits on January 4, but Hicks visited her the following evening after checking her records again that day, raising suspicions about his motives and actions.
Shilpa Shah, a lawyer representing the CPS, stated, “This was a shocking crime carried out by someone in a trusted profession.
Steven Hicks knew the victim was vulnerable and that no other carers were scheduled to visit her that evening.
He exploited his position to gain access to her home and commit this heinous act in her own bedroom.” She continued, “Hicks denied the charges, but the evidence against him was overwhelming.
His DNA was found on the victim and her clothing, and his phone data placed him near her home at the time of the assault.
As a result, he will now serve time in prison for his actions.”
