A DISGRACED district nurse has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after sexually abusing a vulnerable woman in her own home.

Robert Neill, of Fronheulog Hill in Bwlchgwyn, Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday morning for sentencing.

The 62-year-old had been convicted at an earlier hearing of two offences of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice; one of a penetrative nature, the other non-penetrative.

Neill's offences were committed whilst he was in his victim's home, in his capacity as a district nurse.

His conduct, which prosecuting counsel Simon Rogers described as sustained, was caught on CCTV which had been installed by the victim's family to be able to check in on her.

And the victim, the court heard, was unable to defend herself due to her disabilities.

Neill's actions had constituted a "clear abuse of trust," Mr Rogers explained.

Chris Clark, defending, told the court: "Mr Neill knows there is no mitigation that can excuse his breach of trust in the commission of these offences.

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"He realises the court has to pass a substantial prison sentence today.

"He cannot explain his out-of-character actions on the day other than the anxiety and stress from being overworked affecting his rational thinking.

"He's deeply ashamed for the hurt he has caused.

"In a moment of madness, he has lost his career, his good character and his liberty for a substantial period of time.

The Leader: Robert Neill (NWP)Robert Neill (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)"Undoubtedly, serious harm has been caused and he will never, ever, be placed in such a position of trust again."

Recorder Wyn Lloyd Jones told Neill: "You were trusted by your employers. Trusted by the victim's family.

"It's difficult to imagine a worse breach of trust.

"You knew she (the victim) was vulnerable. She was suffering from a mental disorder.

"Whatever you say about it, you sexually abused her - I am completely satisfied - for your own selfish sexual gratification.

"You did it in her own home, where she was entitled to be safe and where her family believed she was safe.

"No doubt you did it after making sure there was no one else there.

"I am entirely satisfied you did not know of the camera's existence.

The Leader:

"You were a man of good character - that's now gone forever."

The Judge imposed an extended sentence of 18 years; of which 14 are immediate custody and four represent an extended licence period.

Neill must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial element in prison before he can be assessed by the parole board for release on licence.

The Judge added to members of the victim's family, who had attended the hearing: "I thank you for the very dignified way you have approached this case. Thank you very much indeed."