Nelson Ncube, 57, of Gratian Close, Highwoods, Colchester, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday after admitting two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder while being a care worker.

Nelson Ncube was jailed for almost five years(Image: Suffolk Police)

The offences took place between late 2020 and early 2023 at a mental health hospital in Colchester, where Ncube was employed as a healthcare assistant.

The victim was detained under the Mental Health Act and described as acutely unwell during the period of abuse.

The court heard that Ncube was assigned to long shifts, sometimes lasting up to 12 hours, and responsible for observing the woman, whose room was adjacent to the nurses’ station and under camera surveillance.

However, there were blind spots in areas such as a storage area and patient toilets.

Ncube took the patient to these locations, where the offending occurred.

Prosecutor details revealed that the behaviour began with unexpected physical contact before escalating to overtly sexual acts.

The court heard that Ncube requested and exchanged explicit photographs with the woman.

In a victim impact statement, the woman described the deep psychological impact of Ncube’s abuse while she was sectioned and under his care.

“How dare you,” she told the defendant from the witness box as he kept his eyes to the ground in the dock.

The victim added: “Very often you were part of the team restraining me. It must have been very clear to you I was intensely unwell.”

She added: “I felt ashamed, unclean and embarrassed.

“But with my improved strength and sense of self worth a feeling of clarity arrived – it was not my fault or responsibility, it was wholly yours.”

Judge Richard Kelly told Ncube he had shown “a warped sense of responsibility” by suggesting the victim initiated the conduct.

Ncube, previously of good character, was sentenced to four years and nine months’ imprisonment.

He expressed remorse through his barrister, who said he felt “nothing but shame and guilt” for his actions.