Carer gives evidence in sex assault trial

Matthew Shah, 24, of Savile Street, Retford, denies three charges of sexually assaulting patients at the hospital in Worksop between April and May 2010.

All three women, two of whom are in their 80s and one in their 60s, suffer from dementia and had trouble washing.

Jurors heard witnesses claim to have seen Shah pull patients up by the neck, and sexually assault three women at the hospital.

Shah took to the stand for the first time yesterday (Thursday) at Nottingham Crown Court.

He said: “I feel I was possibly careless, even brazen, but I maintain that no way on any occasion being sexual. I was merely trying to wash the patients.”

“I’m accepting that for me to be here today I may have been careless or clumsy, I guess you could say a little reckless. I accept that.”

Shah has since been dismissed as an employee at the hospital.

He added: “I think I was a pretty lousy health care assistant to be fair.”

Shah was arrested on 17th July 2010 and denies all three charges of sexual assault.

The trial continues.