Court sentences care worker for sex offence in front of Brighton woman

A care worker has been given a suspended prison sentence for a sex offence at a care home in Brighton.

Brighton Magistrates’ Court

Jezreel Garcia, 25, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and will be registered as a sex offender for seven years.

Garcia admitted “engaging, while a care worker, in sexual activity in the presence of a mentally disordered person”.

He admitted committing the offence while working at Swanborough House, in Swanborough Drive, Whitehawk.

Garcia was a care worker at the Brighton care home for adults when he committed the offence on Sunday 12 June 2016.

The case was dealt with at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Friday (16 March).

The prosecution followed an investigation by Sussex Police detectives from the Brighton Safeguarding Investigations Unit.

Detective Constable Sophie Tullett said: “Garcia was entrusted with the care of a very vulnerable woman.

“He abused that trust by acting indecently in the presence of the woman while she was alone in her room.

“Fortunately another member of staff came in, saw what was happening and immediately reported it to management.

“We have had full co-operation from the home throughout this investigation and we encourage staff in all occupations which look after vulnerable people to report safeguarding concerns to their management or if necessary to us direct.”