Care worker who abused vulnerable woman jailed

COURT: Dundee man was caught exposing himself to resident in home – then blamed victim

A predatory care home worker who sexually abused a “mentally disordered” resident has been jailed for three years.

Lewis Collings was caught by a colleague exposing himself to the vulnerable woman. He was seen crouching down beside her bed with his trousers and underwear pulled down to his knees.

He also lay down beside the woman in her bed at the care home, which cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim.

When challenged, the 28-year-old claimed he had been adjusting his clothing as he “had a wedgie” and was hot.

He later said the woman had accidentally pulled down his trousers as she did not like having her incontinence pad changed and had struggled with him.

Collings’ internet browsing history included searches such as “what would happen to a carer if they had sex with a resident?” and a web page titled “sex in care homes, satisfying the sexual needs of residents”.

He claimed he made the first search as he panicked after being summoned by a manager, and the other page was a “pop-up”.

Sheriff Thomas Hughes told him his explanations “beggared belief”.

He added he was concerned about Collings continuing to change his story in front of social workers, as well as continuing to blame the victim even after being unanimously found guilty by a jury.

The court was told he may have an undiagnosed learning difficulty and was a first offender.

At Dundee Sheriff Court, Collings, of Dunholm Road, was jailed for three years with an additional year to be served on licence in the community.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

As he was being led away to the cells, his supporters blew kisses from the public gallery.

Sheriff Hughes said: “You certainly seemed to be changing your version of events throughout the trial.

“It concerns me that, reading your report, you have again changed your version when giving an account to social workers.

“It seems that you are trying to blame this on your victim.

“Persons who are suffering ill health, such as your victim, are dependent on health care providers.

“You have betrayed the trust placed in you in caring for a vulnerable person.”

You have again changed your version... SHERIFF THOMAS HUGHES

Lewis Collings, of Dundee, was jailed for three years.