A SUPPORT worker who sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman in his care has been jailed for 16 months.

A woman walking her dog in woods at Martlesham saw Philip Calver hugging and kissing the 25-year-old victim, who has learning difficulties, before he led her deeper into the woods, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The witness recognised 59-year-old Calver and knew he was the woman’s support worker.

She then reported what she had seen to his employers.

When the 25-year-old victim was questioned about the incident she complained about what Calver had done to her in the undergrowth and said it had left her feeling distressed, said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

Calver, of Swatchway Close, Ipswich admitted two offences of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker.

He was sent to prison for 16 months, the court heard.

Sentencing him, Judge John Holt said: “You are a professional trained carer and at your age you were fully aware of how you should behave towards a vulnerable young woman.”

He said that in 2001 the woman was assessed as having the mental age of a five-year-old and although that had increased since then, she required 24-hour care and always had to be accompanied if she left her home.

In addition to jailing Calver, Judge Holt ordered him to sign on the sex offenders’ register and made him the subject of a sexual offences prevention order.

Mr Crimp told the court that at the time of the offences in October last year Calver had been employed as a support worker by Thera East which provided residential care to the victim on behalf of Suffolk County Council.

As part of his induction he had received training for his role and was given details of what was acceptable in terms of contact with those he was caring for, said Mr Crimp.

He said Calver admitted kissing the woman’s mouth and breasts.

Richard Potts, for Calver, said his client realised what he had done was wrong and described him as a “stupid, thoughtless man”.

He said Calver had thought about his own needs without giving proper thought for the consequences of what he was doing.

He said that prior to the offences Calver had led a blameless life and was his wife’s main carer.

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