Patient jailed for raping a Birmingham City Hospital worker

Liam McCarthy, 25, raped a hospital staff member in a toilet cubicle

An out-patient who raped a member of staff at Birmingham City Hospital has been jailed for 12 years.

Liam McCarthy followed the woman into a staff toilet and attacked her - threatening to kill her if she cried out.

The 25-year-old tried to leave the hospital but was detained by security after the woman raised the alarm.

McCarthy, of Phoenix Street in West Bromwich, pleaded guilty to the assault that took place on 7 October.

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He was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court on 11 January where he was given a five-year extended sentence which he will serve on licence and he will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Det Insp Ian Ingram, from Birmingham's Public Protection Unit, said: "The woman has shown considerable courage throughout the investigation.

"Her bravery has ensured that this man is locked away for a very long time.

"The attack must have been terrifying for her and caused her physical and physiological harm and we hope that the sentence will help her in her recovery.

"I would also like to praise the security team at the hospital, it was due to their quick actions that McCarthy was detained following the assault and was not allowed to leave the hospital grounds until police arrived to take over."

Rachel Barlow, chief operating officer of Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals, said: "I want to pay tribute to our colleague's bravery, and to those who helped last autumn and since, to support the individuals affected and their families.

"The organisation has worked collectively to improve our vigilance on security, and that work continues every day. This extensive sentence is accompanied by a lifetime bar on using services provided by our Trust imposed many months ago when this appalling attack happened."