Carer who groomed and sexually assaulted vulnerable woman with dementia is jailed

A carer who groomed a vulnerable woman with dementia before forcing himself on her has been jailed.

Darren Williams was working as the woman’s in-home carer when he began sending her inappropriate text messages and buying gifts for her.

The 45-year-old then forced himself on the woman, who is in her sixties and living with mixed dementia, and made her have sex with him.

His offending came to light when the woman told her family what had happened and police were informed.

Williams was arrested by police, which led to his dismissal from the private care company.  

He was later charged with sexual activity by a care worker with a person suffering a mental disorder, which he admitted at a court hearing in February.

Williams, of Oakenshaw, near Crook, appeared back at Durham Crown Court on Friday (July 31) where he was jailed for 30 months.

In a victim impact statement, the woman’s son described the effect Williams’ offending had on his mother.

“He was not just a stranger. He was a professional with a duty of care,” he said. “His job was to be part of Susan’s daily life, to her sense of safety and to her social and emotional wellbeing. For someone living with dementia, this relationship was meant to be the support system around a life that is becoming harder to hold together. He destroyed that.

“Since the assault, Susan began to withdraw much more profoundly. The moments of clarity, of connection with her family sharply diminishing. The person who was meant to be her support became, in the cruellest way possible, a source of fear and confusion she cannot fully articulate or process.

“Her family believes, with good reason, that this assault has accelerated the progression of her disease. The psychological trauma inflicted on a person with dementia does not stay still. It compounds. What was taken from Susan was not only her dignity and her safety – it was time. Time with her family, time as herself.

“She deserved safety. She deserved dignity. She deserved to spend whatever time remains to her feeling protected and loved. That was taken from her by someone who knew exactly what he was doing, and chose to do it anyway.”

Detective Constable Graeme Whitfield, from Durham Constabulary’s West Safeguarding Team, led the investigation.

He said: “Williams’ actions represented an appalling abuse of trust. He exploited his position as a carer by pursuing an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman, despite being fully aware of her dementia.

“He visited her home address while off duty, targeted her with gifts, sent inappropriate messages, all while knowing she lacked the capacity to consent. This was particularly concerning given that he had received safeguarding training through his employment and should have understood both his professional responsibilities and the vulnerabilities of those in his care.

“The impact of his offending on the victim’s emotional and physical wellbeing has been significant.

“I would like to thank the victim’s family, as well as Williams’ colleagues, for raising concerns at the earliest opportunity. Their vigilance and prompt action were instrumental in bringing this offending to light and ensuring that Williams was held accountable for his actions.”

To report a rape or sexual assault, call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

• The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected] or visit www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk