A CARE worker and church leader has been jailed for 21 months for sexually assautling a hospital patient suffering mental Health problems.

Anthony Osei had formed a bond with the woman, in her twenties, at St Paul’s Hospital, Boxted Road, Colchester, and twice visited her room at night, Chelmsford Crown Court heard.

He indecently touched her, staying with her for two periods of seven and four minutes last December.

Osei, of Tarragona Mews, Colchester, admitted two offences of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder and was jailed for 21 months.

The 57-year-old was described as prayer meeting and Sunday School leader at a church in the town. Matthew Gowan, mitigating, said: “He is a man who has – save for 11 minutes of his life – lived an exemplary life.”

Mr Gowan said he realised he had grossly breached the trust placed in him.

Mark Halsey, prosecuting, said St Paul’s was a low security environment for patients with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour or who have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

The victim had a personality disorder and mild learning difficulties. She made an allegation to another care worker that Osei had indecently touched her.

Mr Halsey said CCTV showed Osei was in her room on two consecutive nights.

The court heard the woman did not tell him to stop, because she was scared he would hit her, although he made no threats.

Judge Anthony Leonard QC told Osei he had thrown away a lifetime of good work.

He said: “We expect the highest standard for those who care for others and those who fall below that standard, even momentarily, must expect to be dealt with by way of a custodial sentence – for punishment and to deter others.”

Osei will have to notify the authorities of his whereabouts for the next ten years.