Woodley nurse jailed for 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 who sexually assaulted an 85-year-old woman who he had previously cared for has been jailed.

Steven Hicks, 60, from Woodley, arrived unannounced at the woman's home in January 2022 and assaulted her, leaving a DNA trace, prosecutors said.

He then apologised and said he "got carried away", jurors heard.

Hicks, found guilty on Friday, has since been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison at Reading Crown Court.

Police praised the victim, now 87, for her bravery in giving evidence at the trial

He had previously looked after the woman, first meeting her in December 2021 for a nursing assessment after she had a fall, the court was told.

But in an unscheduled visit on 5 January, he arrived wearing a surgical mask, a plastic apron and gloves, and was invited in, the jury heard.

Hicks assaulted the woman before she pushed him away, prosecutor William Eaglestone said.

'Abhorrent'

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

The court also heard her NHS records were accessed by Hicks on a number of occasions without any medical reason to do so.

Thames Valley Police called the attack "abhorrent" and praised the woman for having the courage to report the offence.

Specialist investigator Philippa Sharman said she was "pleased" with the sentencing.

"I would like to pay tribute to Hick's victim, who put her trust in our investigation to bring him to justice," she added.

CPS lawyer Shilpa Shah said: "This was a shocking crime carried out by someone in a trusted profession.

"Steven Hicks knew the victim was vulnerable and that no other carers were due to visit her that evening, and he used his position to gain access to her home to assault her, in her own bedroom."

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