Stuart Worby Convicted of Sexual Assault and Causing Miscarriage

Stuart Worby has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a pregnant woman and administering medication intended to induce a miscarriage. Mr. Worby administered these drugs, once concealed in a glass of orange juice and another time while the victim was blindfolded, presenting it as part of “kinky sex.” The woman, whose identity is protected by law, experienced a miscarriage in a hospital setting within hours of the assault, which occurred in 2022. The 40-year-old individual, residing at Malthouse Court in Dereham, Norfolk, received convictions for two counts of sexual assault against the woman, alongside a charge of administering a poison or employing an instrument with the intent to procure a miscarriage. A jury at Norwich Crown Court reached unanimous verdicts following over five hours of deliberation. Detective Chief Inspector Duncan Woodhams of Norfolk Police spearheaded the investigation. He stated: “This has been a complex investigation into the deceitful and determined actions of Worby which had such horrific consequences and marks the first of its kind in finding someone guilty of this specific crime.” Nicola Pope, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), commented: “These drugs give women power and control over their bodies – but the victim was forced to take them without her knowledge or consent.” Wayne Finney, 41, of Station Street, Swaffham, Norfolk, who was Worby’s co-defendant, also faced trial on accusations of intentionally encouraging or assisting Worby; however, the jury acquitted him. Mr. Finney asserted that his involvement was limited to researching the procedure for Worby. Separately, Mr. Finney’s girlfriend, Neuza Cepeda, 39, of Walnut Drive, Dereham, had previously pleaded guilty to supplying or procuring an instrument intended for use in procuring a miscarriage, in relation to this case. The core of the case involved the application of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, which are frequently combined to induce a miscarriage during the early stages of pregnancy. These medications are typically administered with a 24-hour interval and can be taken at home following a medical consultation with a doctor. Worby provided the woman with mifepristone, which was crushed and mixed into a glass of orange juice. Prosecutor Edmund Vickers KC informed the jurors that the defendant administered misoprostol the following day, under the pretense of “kinky sex,” while the woman was blindfolded, preventing her from observing his actions. The CPS reported that the victim miscarried her 15-week-old foetus on the subsequent day. She testified in court that she had desired the pregnancy and had not consumed the medication with her knowledge. Toxicology reports indicated the presence of mifepristone traces in her blood and foetal tissue. She contacted law enforcement after discovering messages on Worby’s phone exchanged with Mr. Finney. The defendant, who denied all charges throughout his trial, informed the jury that he had unlawfully obtained the medication but asserted that he never administered it to the woman. High Court Judge Joel Bennathan QC, who presided over the proceedings, cautioned Worby that he would receive an immediate custodial sentence. Mr. Justice Bennathan stated: “Mr Worby must understand the sentencing audit I will carry out is around how many years he will serve.” Worby and Cepeda are scheduled for sentencing on 6 December.