Health Worker Guilty Of Sexual Misconduct

A Jersey healthcare worker has been found guilty of several counts of sexual misconduct with two patients.

Vincent Charles Roberts (57) has been convicted of eight counts of committing a prohibited act with someone suffering from mental disorder.

Jurats at the Royal Court returned the verdict following a three day trial.

Roberts started texting a female patient, before switching to Snapchat, knowing the messages on the app would disappear, as he was worried about losing his job.

Police say the messages became more inappropriate and Roberts kissed the woman on more than one occasion.

Later, he began contacting a second patient on TikTok, and then Snapchat. He engaged in sexual activity with her over the months that followed. 

The offences were disclosed to another member of staff who alerted the Safeguarding Team. 

Roberts refused to cooperate with the police investigation and left the island.

He was brought back from the UK to face trial.

Detective Constable Carla Garnier Roberts abused his position of trust with vulnerable people for his own gratification.

"We are committed to investigating and prosecuting all sexual offenders and want to assure victims that there are a number of agencies who are in a position to offer support and guidance through all stages of the criminal justice process."

Police say both victims have been hugely impacted by Roberts' actions and are being supported by Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and Adult Mental Health.

Roberts will be sentenced later this year.

Several local services provide help for those suffering from sexual abuse:

• The SARC at Dewberry House, provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Call: 01534 888222
• Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) is an independent service developed to protect and support victims of domestic abuse, who are at risk of significant harm. Call: 01534 880505.
• Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Call: 01534 482801.
• Jersey Women’s Refuge offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Call: 0800 7356836
• Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Call 0800 7351612.
• The Safeguarding Partnership Board help agencies to work together to safeguard children and adults at risk. Reporting concerns about a child – call: 01534 519000, concerned about an adult – call 01534 444440.