Jail for Gloucester man who sexually abused 92-year-old woman with dementia

A man sexually abused a 92-year-old woman with dementia who he helped care for.

Eric Barton, of Hillview Road in Hucclecote, took advantage of the elderly victim while her relatives were under the impression that he could be trusted to help look after her garden and with jobs around the house.

Concerns were raised by the victim’s carers after they saw the 77-year-old coming out of the kitchen while doing his trousers up and the victim pulling down her jumper.

The victim's family subsequently checked CCTV cameras which showed Barton engaging in sexual activity with the elderly victim.

Experts deemed the victim did not have the mental capacity to understand what was happening due to her dementia and a jury decided that he used this to take advantage of her.

The victim's family provided a victim impact statement on her behalf.

It reads: "In the weeks after the offence I constantly viewed the internal cameras as I was concerned that my mother would be attacked.

"Now that she is in a home it is made me realise how much stress this has caused me over the last few months.

"I have constant feelings of guilt that I could not protect my mother. For example, I should have put her in a home earlier and should have spotted what Barton was doing.

"The biggest issue for me is trust. I trusted Barton to look after my mum and he abused that trust which has deeply hurt us."

Detective Constable Robert Brown, from Gloucestershire Police, said: “I am pleased that the jury has seen through Barton’s lies after the victim was subjected to such horrible offences.

“Barton has not shown any remorse for his actions, and his decision to plead not guilty meant that people known to himself and the victim had to stand up in court and give evidence on such an upsetting case.

“I would like to thank the victim’s carers for being vigilant in spotting unusual behaviour and raising their concerns, as this has safeguarded the victim and prevented her from coming to more harm.

“It is hoped this case proves as a warning to anyone who thinks they can take advantage of vulnerable people as it will not be tolerated.

"Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly to ensure that victims of sexual offences are heard and thorough investigations can take place."

Eric Barton was sentenced to five years and six months in prison and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

In court, the defence barrister argued Barton did not realise the severity of the victim’s dementia and believed that she could have refused at any time.

He claimed the victim was able to engage in sexual activity with him and had encouraged him.

The court was also told how Barton had no previous history of offending.

The sentencing took place at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (Monday 12 December) after a jury found Barton guilty of five counts of engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding free choice.

Barton was found not guilty of one count of penetrative sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding free choice and one count of inciting a person with a mental disorder impeding free choice to engage in sexual activity following a trial which concluded on Friday (9 December).

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…