A “despicable” former male nurse from St Albans has been jailed for twelve and a half years for sexually assaulting female mental health patients in his care.

Alan Taylor, 51, was found guilty of five out of 12 counts of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a carer today (Friday, May 23) at St Albans Crown Court.

He was also made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for life and has been placed on the Sexual Offences Register for life today.

The court heard how Taylor, of Centaurus Square, abused the women in his care who were extremely vulnerable over several years until 2007.

Detective Constable Kelly Adams, who led the investigation said: “Alan Taylor is a despicable man who preyed on one of the most vulnerable groups of young women in society.

“He was supposed to care for them, but instead took advantage of their situations for his own sexual gratification.

“This case has been one of the most emotionally and mentally taxing cases we have dealt with – not only because of the nature of the offences, but because the victims were extremely vulnerable.

“We hope that the verdicts passed today and sentences given will reflect the severity of Alan Taylor’s appalling actions and give hope to victims of sexual offences that justice can and will be done and the perpetrators of such crimes will be dealt with.”

A spokesman from the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our thoughts are with the vulnerable women in this appalling case, as well as their families.

“Alan Taylor’s actions were completely unacceptable. He betrayed the position of trust he held and we do not tolerate such behaviour.

“We acted quickly when the allegations were first reported to us. Alan Taylor was suspended from duty and then dismissed following a thorough internal investigation. “We reported the matter to the police and the Nursing and Midwifery Council at the time.

“We take any allegations of abuse very seriously. The safety of those who use our services is extremely important to us and is fundamental to the high quality of care and support we aim to provide.”