He accused his female colleagues of lying and said any touching was “accidental”.
A nurse has been jailed for sexually assaulting nine women.
Adam Soothill formally a nurse at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust appeared in court last month accused of sexually assaulting nine different women between 1 January 2017 and 31 March 2020.
Mr. Soothill denied the offenses saying any touching was “accidental and that the women were lying” – however, a jury found Mr. Soothill guilty at trial.
Claire Marsh, senior crown prosecutor at CPS North West, said: “Soothill sexually assaulted nine women over a three year period. He has today been punished for these offences.
“We are grateful to the brave victims who came forward to report the abuse. Their actions in taking a stand against this man’s behaviour will no doubt have prevented other women suffering from similar abuse.”
Mr. Soothill was convicted of 24 out of 28 allegations and sentenced to 30-months imprisonment at Preston Crown Court late last month.
Brave.
investigating officer at Lancashire Police Darren Caunce praised the bravery of the women involved for coming forward.
A Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “There is no place for harassment, bullying or discrimination of any kind at our trust and we will not hesitate to escalate matters to the police in the rare instances where this is appropriate.
“The protracted timescales involved in this case have been particularly difficult for all those affected by it, and we will continue to offer support on an individual basis for those who need it.”
Mr. Soothill is currently suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register pending the outcome of a Fitness to Practice case.
His suspension is set to be reviewed by a panel later this year or before if there is a “material change of circumstances”.
