Psychiatric nurse jailed over sex with patient

Adam Culverwell was sentenced to seven years in prison

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 Culverwell 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" that 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.

'Gross betrayal'

"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."

Dorset Healthcare chief executive Rachel Small said everyone at the trust was "shocked and appalled" by the case and described Culverwell's actions as a "gross betrayal".

"The safety and wellbeing of our patients is our primary concern at all times," she said.

"As soon as we became aware of the allegations against Mr Culverwell, he was suspended and the police were informed."

She said misconduct concerns were taken "extremely seriously", and the trust had since run a sexual safety awareness campaign to "emphasise the importance of maintaining professional boundaries".