A former district nurse has been imprisoned for a 'truly appalling'
Sexual Assault on a vulnerable and disabled elderly patient in her own residence. Robert Neill, hailing from Fronheulog Hill, Bwlchgwyn, Wrexham , was sentenced on April 5 at Mold Crown Court after pleading guilty to charges of sexual activity and inciting sexual activity with a woman with a mental disorder. The 62-year-old, who previously worked for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, received a 14-year
prison sentence and an additional four years on licence. The abhorrent act took place in 2022 and was recorded on CCTV installed by the victim's family due to concerns over her wellbeing. The sexual assault by Neill was discovered when a relative reviewed the camera footage, leading to his arrest the next day after the
police were notified. He was charged in July of the previous year. For the latest court reports, sign up to our crime newsletter here READ MORE: Domestic abuser assaulted two partners in just a few months READ MORE: Dealers threw 1kg of cannabis from car window during police chase Detective Constable Jane Burns, the officer in charge of the investigation, remarked: "This is a truly shocking case against a vulnerable and disabled victim who was violated by Neill in her own home. He abused his position of trust and has caused deep distress to the victim and her family, who I commend for their bravery and dignity throughout this investigation.", reports North Wales Live . Carol Shillabeer, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, expressed her dismay at the offences, describing them as "truly appalling, and an abuse of trust by the healthcare professional." She extended her apologies to the affected patient and family: "I am so sorry for the significant distress the patient and her family have experienced as a result of his actions." Following the arrest, she confirmed the immediate suspension of the staff member and their referral to the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Shillabeer highlighted the rarity of such events but acknowledged the necessity of reviewing processes, stating: "We have reviewed our processes and implemented some changes." With all information now at hand, the health board is considering further measures to prevent future incidents. Shillabeer assured ongoing support for the patient and family: "We will continue to work closely with both the patient and her family and do all we can to continue to support them." "I hope today's sentence provides them an opportunity for some closure knowing he is being held accountable for this disgraceful crime. These offences are truly appalling, and an abuse of trust by the healthcare professional." "I am so sorry for the significant distress the patient and her family have experienced as a result of his actions. As soon as we were made aware of the staff member's arrest he was immediately suspended from work and referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council." "We have fully supported and worked closely with the police on their investigation. A nurse is clearly in a position of trust and whilst events such as these are incredibly rare, we have reviewed our processes and implemented some changes." "Now that all the information is available to us, we will consider if there are any further measures we can take to help prevent anything like this happening again. We will continue to work closely with both the patient and her family and do all we can to continue to support them." Want less ads? Download WalesOnline’s Premium app on
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