A nurse has been jailed for four and a half years for sexual offences against a woman.
Matthew Wharton, an agency mental health nurse based at Laureate House in Manchester, was found guilty of sexually abusing a 20-year-old woman who was an inpatient on the ward he was assigned to at the hospital.
The 37-year-old was found guilty of five counts of a care worker engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a mentally disordered female, and two counts of a care worker engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a mentally disordered female.
Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation after the victim reported to a member of staff in May 2024 that she had been repeatedly raped by Wharton.
Wharton, who had worked on the ward since August 2023, attempted to contact the victim on Instagram in March 2024, although she did not respond to the request. A few days later he followed the victim from his SnapChat account.
Wharton coerced the woman into a relationship where he took advantage of her and began sexually assaulting and raping her. The offences were committed on the ward and at various locations he took her to off the ward.
Following the report to police, Wharton was arrested in May 2024 and was subsequently charged with offences related to section 38 under the sexual offences act. He was also issued with a 10-year restraining order.
DC Chloe Stevens said: “I commend the victim for her bravery in reporting these offences to the police and trusting us to investigate. The suffering Wharton has inflicted on a young and vulnerable woman is utterly deplorable and I am pleased the sentence places him safely behind bars.
“He was in a position of care and abused that power for his own sexual gratification. We will continue to do all in our power to bring offenders like him to justice and protect the vulnerable.
"If you have been a victim of sexual offences, I urge you to speak out and tell the police what you know. You will be listened to and we will do our utmost to bring you justice.”
Wharton was sentenced on Thursday 12th December.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information and crimes on GMP's website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the 'report' tool. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
