Care Worker Sentenced for Patient Relationship

A care worker from Ebbw Vale has been sentenced after admitting to having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a mental health patient at an NHS facility. 😔

Megan Hendy, 28, of Ash Grove, Tyllwyn, began the relationship with the man whilst accompanying him on “escorted leave” from the facility. The victim filmed their sexual encounter and later contacted authorities by email to report the incident.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that concerns had previously been raised about Hendy’s “boundaries with male patients” and her contact with the victim on social media. She was subsequently dismissed from her position and police were called.

Hendy pleaded guilty to being a care worker who engaged in sexual activity with a mentally disordered male. She has no previous convictions.

Jeffrey Jones, representing Hendy, told the court: “She is very sorry and fears her punishment. The defendant is generally a meek person.”

The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, said: “These are serious matters but I accept that you are remorseful. It’s clear to see that your life has been marked with tragedy from an early age. You have a positive character and there are very many people who speak extremely highly of you.”

The judge noted that Hendy had been assessed as presenting “no risk to the public in the future” and there was “a realistic prospect of rehabilitation” in her case.

Hendy was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. She must complete 100 hours of unpaid community work and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement. She will also be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years and pay a statutory victim surcharge. ⚖️