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A former health worker who abused two patients with mental health disorders – then attempted to flee the island – has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison.
Vincent Charles Roberts (57) was convicted of eight offences following a trial in February.
The offences involved kissing one of the women, and kissing and engaging in intimate behaviour with the other on seven separate occasions.
Roberts was arrested following what Police described as a "long and complex" investigation, which he 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.
Speaking during Monday's sentencing hearing in the Royal Court, Crown Advocate Simon Crowder described Roberts as having "preyed upon" the two women.
The court heard that the women had both suffered setbacks in their recovery as a result, with the first victim left distrustful of men, including male healthcare workers.
He recommended a sentence of five years and six months.
Advocate Ian Jones, defending, said Roberts accepted that he "crossed the boundaries", but added that the activity with the second victim had been consensual.
He said: "He abused his position of trust. But if it was not consensual Mr Roberts would be prosecuted under a different law. In my submission, Mr Roberts did not groom either of them."
Of the second victim, he said: "At no point did she say she didn't want to do it. It was illegal – but it was consensual."
However the Jurats agreed to the prosecution's request for a jail term of five years and six months.
Commissioner Sir John Saunders said of Roberts: "He was dealing with extremely vulnerable patients and his job was to try to help them in their recovery.
"He was meant to care for them, and that included protecting them against themselves."
Roberts was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and banned from direct or indirect contact with either of the victims.
The other Jurats presiding were Stephen Jones, Terry Ferbrache, Joanne Wyatt, Heather Reed and Tina Le Poidevin.
Detective Constable Carla Garnier said after the sentencing that Roberts had "abused his position of trust with vulnerable people for his own gratification".
She continued: "He tried to evade justice by leaving the island, and I am thankful that he was apprehended, brought back to Jersey and was found guilty.
"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."
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.
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