A CARER accused of having sex with a male patient at a care home was found out when a colleague saw a scantily dressed picture of her on the man’s phone, a court has heard.

Christine Marsh, 64, was suspended from her job after the photograph of her lying on the man’s bed wearing just her bra and knickers was discovered, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Marc Brown, prosecuting, said the victim was an adult male.

As a result of his issues, he lived in accommodation at a care home where he received round-the-clock support from carers, including Marsh, said Mr Brown.

A photograph of Marsh lying on the alleged victim’s bed was discovered when one of her colleagues was helping the man set up a new smartwatch and Marsh was suspended after the matter was reported to senior staff.

When the man’s phone was examined, messages from Marsh were allegedly found on it.

The man told police that after her suspension Marsh had told him to get rid of a box and a duvet from his room and he took officers to where he had hidden them in bushes in the grounds of the care home, said Mr Brown.

Marsh, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, has denied nine offences of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder over a period of eight months.

The court heard that following her arrest, Marsh denied any sexual contact with the alleged victim and denied being the person in the picture on his phone.

Mr Brown said the alleged victim told police that sex between him and Marsh had taken place on nine occasions, and it had been consensual.

Mr Brown claimed that the sexual activity had continued after Marsh was released on bail and said her alleged behaviour was “a gross breach of trust”.

The trial continues.