A MENTAL health worker's career was ruined when she was sexually assaulted by one of her patients.
The woman was working at a unit in Hull when she was attacked by Terence Renton, 33, who had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
She met Renton at the unit in 2012 and he soon professed his interest to her.
Patrick Palmer, prosecuting, told Hull Crown Court: "She noted that he was often telling her she was attractive.
"She dealt with that by laughing those comments off, but nonetheless was careful to report them to her employer."
Within months Renton began going into her office to make sexual comments and would be "reluctant to leave when told to do so", Mr Palmer said.
The day before the assault, she had raised the issue with a colleague.
The following evening, just after the victim had started her night shift, Renton approached her and asked if he could watch a film in the office.
Using the excuse that he "could not see the screen", Renton, who had suffered brain damage, moved his chair so he was closer to the woman.
He then told her: "I really like you. You're fit," before briefly assaulting her.
The woman left the room in tears.
Renton was interviewed but denied the offence.
The court heard the woman was so traumatised by the incident she changed her career and is still affected by it.
Referring to her victim personal statement, Mr Palmer said: "She doesn't feel comfortable in male company and doesn't trust males as a result."
Paul Genney, defending, said: "His needs are varied and different. He has brain damage.
"The hope is they can accommodate him at York, at a centre that deals specifically with people who have brain damage."
Judge Simon Jack sentenced Renton to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered that he reside at Miranda House in Hull until directed.
Renton must also sign the sex offenders register for seven years.
But Judge Jack warned Renton to expect a jail sentence if he committed a similar offence again.
The judge told him: "It was very unpleasant for the lady that you assaulted. It's had a serious effect upon her.
"I understand that you have some difficulties that have a bearing on your commission of this offence.
"In the circumstances, I don't think it's necessary to sentence you to an immediate prison sentence, although if anything like this were to happen again that is the likely outcome."
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