Nurse jailed for sexual activity with patient

A community nurse has been jailed for 18 months after admitting to sexual activity with a vulnerable patient during a clinical appointment.

Simon Robertson, of Louth Road, Binbrook, came into contact with the victim in his role with the Early Intervention In Psychosis Team, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

The 48-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual activity by a care worker.

He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years and was given a restraining order which prevents any contact with the victim.

Robertson first met the woman during an initial assessment in November 2021 when it was noted that the patient could become intimate with those who were kind to her, the court was told.

The court heard there was an incident in March 2022 where Robertson danced with the woman at her home and she undid his belt.

Two weeks later there was a further lone meeting at her home where Robertson admitted touching the woman in an intimate way after she instigated the activity by taking hold of his hand following a back massage.

Robertson initially denied the incident during interview but then admitted: "It did happen but it wasn't an assault. It was consensual."

He admitted to not being honest because he was worried about his job and relationship, and insisted he was "silly and naieve, but not predatory".

Chris Jeyes, mitigating, urged the court to see Robertson's offending as a "lamentable" failure to observe professional boundaries rather than planned behaviour".

"He has lost his profession. He is currently under an interim disqualification from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and that will no doubt become a full suspension," Mr Jeyes added.

In an impact statement, the victim, who cannot be identified, described being "shocked" by Robertson's behaviour, adding that the shock "wasn't going away".

Passing sentence Judge James House KC said Robertson would have known from the records of the possibility of the victim becoming infatuated with him.

"Despite that knowledge he did not take those precautions - in fact he did the opposite," Judge House said.

"The responsibility for what happens lies on his shoulders."

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