Mental Health Nurse jailed for sexually abusing a mentally ill woman at Wythenshawe Hospital

A man who worked as an agency mental health nurse at Wythenshaw Hospital has been found guilty of serious sexual offences of a mentally ill woman on 12 December 2024.

Matthew Wharton aged 37 was handed a four and a half years prison sentence after being 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.

In May 2024, the victim reported to a member of staff that she had been repeatedly raped by Wharton. Greater Manchester Police were alerted and launched an investigation.

Wharton was found to have been working on the ward since August 2023 and in March 2024, he 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.

Wharton coerced the woman into a relationship where he took advantage of her and began sexually assaulting and raping her. 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.”