A care provider, Iain Barton Liverpool Sex Offender, who engaged in a sexual encounter with a vulnerable lady under his care and impregnated her has been sentenced to prison.
Iain Barton, 58, of Glamis Road in Old Swan, Liverpool, was employed as a night shift support worker at a facility in Merseyside for those recuperating from mental health illnesses.
He had been employed there for several years but departed in December 2022.
The subsequent month, the woman, significantly younger than Barton, disclosed to the staff that she had engaged in a sexual connection with him.
She stated that the sexual activity was consensual and commenced a few years prior. The victim arrived at the residence after receiving hospital treatment for significant mental health issues.
A sexual contact between a carer and an individual with mental health concerns under their care constitutes a criminal crime.
The management at the residence notified the police; however, the victim was first reluctant to endorse a prosecution.
However, she altered her stance upon learning of her pregnancy with Iain Barton’s offspring.
Iain Barton was apprehended in January 2023 but responded with “No Comment” to all enquiries.
He faced five charges of engaging in sexual behaviour with an individual possessing a mental condition while serving as a care worker. He entered a guilty plea at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 January 2025.
On 13 March 2025, at Liverpool Crown Court, he received a sentence of three years’ imprisonment.
The CPS successfully petitioned for the imposition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on Barton. This stipulates that he shall refrain from participating in any paid or unpaid activities involving contact with individuals diagnosed with a mental disorder as delineated in section 1 of the Mental Health Act.
The CPS successfully obtained a restraining order to prohibit any future contact with the victim.
In a Victim Personal Statement presented to the court, the woman stated: “This has likely been one of the most distressing periods of my life.” No compassion or concern was exhibited for our unborn child or its mother. The actions related to this lawsuit have inflicted significant pain and sorrow onto me. The absence of accountability for such behaviours has significantly impacted both my emotional and physical wellbeing.
Neil Colville, Head of the CPS Mersey-Cheshire’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, stated: “Iain Barton violated the trust of a vulnerable woman under his care.”
The victim perceived the relationship as voluntary and authentic; yet, it constitutes a criminal crime for a carer to engage in such behaviour towards an individual under their care, a fact that Barton would have been aware of.
Upon realising he had impregnated the woman, he made no effort to assist her whatsoever. His actions has profoundly affected the victim, who is already contending with numerous challenges.
The Crown Prosecution Service wishes to applaud the victim for her diligent support of this prosecution, despite the adversities she has faced.
“We extend our gratitude to the staff and her relatives for their contributions in ensuring this man was brought to justice.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.