A Zimbabwean healthcare assistant has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison in the United Kingdom after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a vulnerable mental health patient under his care.

Nelson Ncube, 57, of Gratian Close, Highwoods, Colchester, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, after pleading guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder while working as a care worker, according to EADT.

The offences took place between late 2020 and early 2023 at a secure mental health hospital in Colchester.

Prosecutors told the court that Ncube abused his position of trust during long shifts that sometimes lasted up to 12 hours. He had been assigned to observe the patient, who was detained under the Mental Health Act and described as “acutely unwell.”

Although the ward had CCTV surveillance, prosecutors said there were blind spots in storage rooms and toilets, which Ncube exploited to commit the offences. The court heard that his behavior escalated over time.

“It began with unexpected physical contact before escalating to overtly s3xual acts,” prosecutors said. Ncube also exchanged explicit photographs with the patient.

The victim, who gave her testimony in court, described the experience as devastating. Looking directly at Ncube in the dock, she said, “How dare you.”

She outlined that, “Very often you were part of the team restraining me. It must have been very clear to you I was intensely unwell. I felt ashamed, unclean and embarrassed. But with my improved strength and sense of self-worth a feeling of clarity arrived, it was not my fault or responsibility, it was wholly yours.”

Judge Richard Kelly condemned Ncube’s actions and criticised his attempt to suggest that the victim had initiated the conduct. “You showed a warped sense of responsibility,” the judge said.

Ncube, who had no previous criminal record, expressed remorse through his lawyer. His barrister told the court, “He feels nothing but shame and guilt for his actions.”

Judge Kelly described Ncube’s conduct as a serious breach of trust and responsibility. Ncube will now serve his sentence in a UK prison.