Health worker guilty of sexual misconduct with "vulnerable" patients

Wednesday 22 February 2023

A 57-year-old health worker has been found guilty of eight sexual offences against two women with mental heath disorders he was supposed to be caring for.

Vincent Charles Roberts, who faced a trial before two Jurats in the Royal Court this week, will be sentenced later in the year for kissing one of the women, and of kissing and engaging in intimate behaviour with another on seven separate occasions.

Police today explained that Roberts was arrested following a "long and complex" investigation, which Roberts initially refused to engage with.

He fled the island and went to the Isle of Wight. Last summer, he was located and arrested by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, and handed over to the States of Jersey Police.

Officers said today that his actions had a hugely negative impact on both victims, who continue to be supported by Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and Adult Mental Health.

Detective Constable Carla Garnier said: “This was a long and complex investigation into how Roberts abused his position of trust with vulnerable people for his own gratification. He tried to evade justice by leaving the island, and I am thankful that he was apprehended, brought back to face the Courts and found guilty of this.

“We are committed to investigating and prosecuting all sexual offenders and want to assure victims that there are a number of agencies who are in a position to offer support and guidance through all stages of the criminal justice process."

On the first day of the three-day trial, Advocate Simon Crowder, prosecuting, told the Royal Court that the 57-year-old kissed the first alleged victim and she slapped him in the face.

Pictured: The three-day trial took place this week in the Royal Court.

Roberts kissed and touched the other woman sexually, or encouraged her to touch him, on seven separate occasions, the advocate added.

Advocate Crowder said those seven acts had been consensual, but that this was irrelevant, as the charge related to a woman who had a mental-health problem at the time.

In a phone message to the second alleged victim, after the allegations came to light, Roberts wrote: "If we both deny this we will be fine."

The advocate said: "Mr Roberts would have been under no illusion that the acts were against the law. He preyed upon vulnerable people."

Giving evidence by video link, the first woman told the court that Roberts had sent her messages which at first seemed friendly, but had become sexually explicit over time.

The court also heard that Roberts encouraged the female patients to communicate with him via Snapchat, knowing that messages on the app would disappear as he was worried about his job as a result of this communication.

On the second day of his Royal Court trial, an interview between Roberts and Police was read out.

Roberts said the second woman "wanted to explore what could happen if we were to have a relationship", and said they both "admitted we were attracted to each other". However, he insisted that they "didn't do anything about it".

The three-day trial concluded this afternoon, with Roberts found guilty of all eight counts of committing a prohibited act with someone suffering from a mental disorder. He was remanded on bail and will next appear in court on Friday, when a sentencing date will be set.

SUPPORT...

SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222. 

Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Tel: 01534 482801. 

Jersey Women’s Refuge offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.

Victim Support offers free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496. 

Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Call 0800 7351612.