February 2015
Barrow mental health nurse jailed for grooming and sexually abusing schoolgirl
A MENTAL health worker from Barrow, who groomed and sexually abused a 15-year-old girl, hid the “darker side” of his character from friends and colleagues, a court heard.
Joseph Kaye, a trained mental health nurse working at Furness General Hospital, was sentenced to 30 months in jail at Preston Crown Court on Friday for a total of seven sexual offences.
Kaye, 27, of Strathaird Avenue, Walney, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of meeting a child following grooming.
Ms Rachel Woods, prosecuting, said the defendant’s crimes had come to light last year when the victim’s mother discovered several indecent messages from Kaye on her daughter’s phone.
She had received messages over a period of several months which had become increasingly sexual.
Kaye had sent a message to the girl to say she looked “very pretty” in a photo she had posted on social media and later met up with the victim.
Ms Woods said Kaye had kissed and touched the teenager over her clothing, but she pushed him away saying his behaviour was inappropriate.
Mr Brian Williams, defending, referenced numerous testimonials which described the defendant as caring, hard working and helpful.
Mr Williams said: “It is 99 per cent of his character. He has lost his job, he accepts he is likely to be removed from the register of people who can practice in this field.
“All he worked for and enjoyed has gone as a result of his stupid behaviour. It is almost inexplicable because he was in a relationship.
“He behaved entirely inappropriately. He was entirely wrong.”
Judge Pamela Badley said those who knew the defendant were deeply surprised by his behaviour.
She said: “What they didn’t know was this darker side of your character, one that wasn’t content with your life and wanted a 15-year-old girl.
“It was not one incident, it was effectively a campaign by you. It went on because you wanted her to crack and you wanted her to engage in this way.”
Kaye was told he will be on the sex offenders register indefinitely and he will also be the subject to a sexual offences prevention order.
