Woodley nurse guilty of sexually assaulting 85-year-old woman

Steven Hicks arrived at the woman's home unannounced, wearing a medical mask, a plastic apron and gloves

An NHS nurse has been found guilty of sexually assaulting an 85-year-old woman whom he had previously cared for.

Steven Hicks, 60, arrived unannounced at the woman's home in January 2022, wearing a surgical mask, a plastic apron and gloves, prosecutors said.

He then assaulted her, leaving a DNA trace, before apologising and saying he "got carried away", Reading Crown Court was told.

Hicks, of Quentin Road, Woodley, will be sentenced at a later date.

Police investigator Philippa Sharman said the victim had shown "such bravery"

He first met the woman in December 2021 for a nursing assessment after she had a fall, the jury heard.

On 5 January, he arrived wearing medical clothing and was invited in, the court was told.

Prosecutor William Eaglestone said Hicks assaulted the woman before being pushed away by her.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, informed relatives who called the police, the jury heard.

Hicks was convicted following a trial at Reading Crown Court

Mr Eaglestone said phone records suggested the nurse was in the vicinity at the time of the assault.

The nurse also accessed the patient's NHS records on a number of occasions without any medical reason to do so, the jury was told.

A separate charge of assault by penetration was dropped by prosecutors.

Thames Valley Police praised the victim, now aged 87, who gave evidence.

Special investigator Philippa Sharman said: "She's had to give some of the most detailed and uncomfortable details. She's shown such bravery, such courage.

"[She is] fiercely independent, she refuses to be a burden to anyone. You can tell it's affected her, of course it has, but she's been really well supported."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]