Psychiatric nurse jailed over sex with patient

A psychiatric nurse has been jailed for having sex with a vulnerable patient.

Adam Culverwell, 53, of Hardington, Yeovil, was sentenced to seven years in prison for several charges including eight counts of a care worker causing or inciting sexual activity with a mentally disordered person with penetration.

In June 2021 it was reported that Culverwell had been having sex with someone at the same time as he was supporting them in his role as a community psychiatric nurse for Dorset Healthcare Trust.

Det Con Chloe Riley, of Dorset Police, said he had "exploited his position for his own sexual gratification".

The victim was under Culverwell's care from September 2016 through to December 2020.

Det Con Riley said he was "in charge of managing the victim's complex mental health conditions", and said they were a "vulnerable individual".

Dorset Police said the investigation was "complex" and involved taking multiple statements, reviewing medical records, trawling CCTV and analysing mobile phone records.

At the trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, prosecutors argued Culverwell would have been aware of the victim's mental health issues and, therefore, would be considered to have exploited his position.

He was sentenced at the same court on 6 June.

"I'd like to commend the victim for their bravery in coming forward," said Det Con Riley.

"I hope the investigation and its result sends a message to all victims of sexual offences that we will do all we can to investigate offences, support those impacted, and ensure offenders are brought to justice."

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.