(Image: Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust)
Mental health nurse jailed for horrific sexual assault and rape of a 20-year-old patient
by Helena Vesty · Manchester Evening NewsA mental health nurse has been jailed for sexual offences against a 20-year-old inpatient at a hospital where he worked.
Matthew Wharton, 37, was sentenced to four-and-a-half-years in prison for sexual offences on Thursday, December 12, following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police. Wharton, an agency mental health nurse working at Wythenshawe Hospital, was found guilty of sexually abusing his victim.
Police say that Wharton was found guilty of five counts of care worker engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a mentally disordered female and two counts of care worker engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a mentally disordered female. Earlier this year, the victim reported to a member of staff that she had been repeatedly raped by Wharton.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was alerted and launched an investigation, said the force. Wharton also attempted to contact the victim on Instagram, although she did not respond to the request. A few days later he followed the victim from his Snapchat account, say GMP.
Wharton coerced the woman into a relationship where he took advantage of her and began sexually assaulting and raping her, said police. The offences were committed on the ward and at various locations he took her to off the ward.
Following the report to police, Wharton was arrested in May 2024 and was subsequently charged with offences related to section 38 under the sexual offences act. He was also issued a 10-year restraining order.
DC Chloe Stevens said: “I commend the victim for her bravery in reporting these offences to the police and trusting us to investigate. The suffering Wharton has inflicted on a young and vulnerable woman is utterly deplorable and I am pleased the sentence places him safely behind bars.
“He was in a position of care and abused that power for his own sexual gratification. We will continue to do all in our power to bring offenders like him to justice and protect the vulnerable. If you have been a victim of sexual offences, I urge you to speak out and tell the police what you know. You will be listened to and we will do our utmost to bring you justice.”
Support available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information and crimes on our website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the 'report' tool. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support for you. For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.
Support for rape and sexual assault
St. Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre - Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis - is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
Survivors Manchester - provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Support for domestic abuse
SafeLives.org.uk - providing domestic abuse support and guidance.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - free 24-hour helpline, guidance and support for victims.
National Centre for Domestic Violence - provides a free service that lets anyone who has recently suffered from, or been threatened with, domestic abuse applies for an emergency court injunction.