Bedfordshire care home abuser jailed for life

William James was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of eight years and four months

A man who sexually abused residents at a Bedfordshire care home for people with mental health illnesses has been jailed for life.

William James, 40, formerly known as Stephen Umney, had abused three residents over a 10-year period.

James, of no fixed abode, was charged with 17 counts of engaging in sexual activity with or in the presence of a person with a mental disorder.

He was sentenced to life with a minimum term of eight years and four months.

'A horrific case'

Northamptonshire Police uncovered the crimes in November 2021 when his computer was examined as part of an investigation into indecent images of children.

James had filmed himself carrying out abuse in the care home where he was a support worker.

Bedfordshire Police then began a second investigation into the abuse at the care home.

In May at Luton Crown Court, James was found guilty of five counts of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder and nine counts of causing a person with a mental disorder to engage in sexual activity.

He was also found guilty of three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a person with a mental disorder.

James was found not guilty of three counts of ill-treatment of a person who lacks capacity.

Det Con Claire Long, from Bedfordshire Police, said it was "a horrific case".

"This case was a lengthy and complex investigation, and is just one of many which demonstrates our commitment to tackling offenders and keeping vulnerable people safe," she added.