Hospital Worker Jailed for Sexually Exploiting Vulnerable Patient
A hospital care assistant who sexually exploited a mentally ill patient has been jailed for over nine years.
Jyv Cagampang, 35, was working at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham when he abused his position on 1 August 2022. The victim, in acute mental distress, had been placed on constant observation under the Mental Health Act.
Instead of safeguarding her, Cagampang initiated inappropriate contact—kissing her and touching her sexually. The patient, who was sectioned the same day, later reported the incident to police after her mental health improved.
Cagampang initially refused to answer questions about suggestive messages exchanged with the victim, but in a later interview admitted to sexual contact—claiming, falsely, that the woman had initiated it.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a mentally disordered female and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to nine years and four months in prison.
Detective Constable Ashleigh Simpson said: “Cagampang was trusted to care for an extremely vulnerable patient. He chose to exploit that trust in the most appalling way.”
“She was in no state to give consent. This case sends a clear message: those in positions of responsibility will face serious consequences if they abuse their power.”
Cagampang, of Aspley, will serve his sentence in a category B prison.
Sentencing in Cases Involving Mentally Disordered Victims
Under UK law, consent is a central element in determining whether a sexual offence has occurred. However, there are specific legal protections for individuals with mental disorders that impact their ability to make informed decisions.
🔹 Legal Definition of Consent
According to Section 74 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, a person consents if they agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Where a person’s mental disorder impairs their ability to understand or weigh the decision to engage in sexual activity, the law may deem them incapable of giving valid consent.
🔹 Offence: Sexual Activity with a Mentally Disordered Person
Under Section 30 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is a criminal offence to engage in sexual activity with a person who:
- Has a mental disorder, and
- Is under care or supervision, where the offender is involved in that care or supervision.
The offence is more serious when there is a relationship of trust, such as between a healthcare worker and a patient.
🔹 Sentencing Guidelines
The Sentencing Council outlines that sexual offences involving abuse of trust and mentally vulnerable victims will attract higher sentences. For an offence under Section 30:
- The maximum sentence is 14 years.
- Sentencing considers:
- Abuse of position of trust
- Degree of planning
- Psychological harm to the victim
- Level of coercion or exploitation
In Jyv Cagampang’s case, his nine-year, four-month sentence reflects these aggravating factors.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
