Mental Health Nurse Jailed for Patient Sexual Assault

A mental health nurse has received a custodial sentence after sexually assaulting a patient within a hospital ward setting. Matthew Wharton’s arrest occurred in May, following a report from the woman alleging he had “repeatedly raped” her at Laureate House, a mental health facility situated adjacent to Wythenshawe hospital in Manchester, according to police statements. The 37-year-old agency nurse admitted culpability for multiple sexual offences committed against the female victim. Wharton received a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence at Manchester Crown Court, in addition to being issued a 10-year restraining order. Wharton attempted to establish contact with the woman via Instagram; however, after she failed to reply, he subsequently followed her from his Snapchat account a few days later, as stated by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The police force indicated that the nurse “coerced the woman into a relationship where he took advantage of her and began sexually assaulting and raping her.” Investigators reported that his assaults occurred both within the ward environment and at locations external to it. Wharton admitted guilt to five charges of a care worker engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a mentally disordered female, alongside two charges of a care worker engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a mentally disordered female. Detective Constable Chloe Stevens commented: “I commend the victim for her bravery in reporting these offences to the police and trusting us to investigate. The suffering Wharton has inflicted on a young and vulnerable woman is utterly deplorable and I am pleased the sentence places him safely behind bars. He was in a position of care and abused that power for his own sexual gratification.” For additional content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.