East Lothian care home worker struck off three months after being jailed for sexually assaulting vulnerable resident
Robert Wilson was convicted of rape and sexual assault against two different women during a High Court trial earlier this year
An East Lothian care home worker who was jailed for eight years after being convicted of sexually assaulting a vulnerable resident has been struck off.
Robert Wilson, 53, was found guilty earlier this year of sexually assaulting then 68-year-old Yvonne Carnie, who was a resident at The Abbey care home in North Berwick.
As well as the sexual assault conviction, Wilson was also found guilty of the rape of a 38-year-old vulnerable woman in 2013 during the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
He received an eight-year jail term, which was later extended to an 11-year sentence in June including a three-year stint served in the community.
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) has now issued its decision to remove Wilson from the care register, effective from September 27.
The SSSC labelled Wilson’s crimes as “extremely serious”, adding: “The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession.”
Wilson targeted Ms Carnie, who needed round-the-clock care due to a brain disorder named progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), while working at the North Berwick care facility between 2022 and 2023.
The family of Ms Carnie, who died at the age of 70, released a statement following Wilson’s conviction and sentencing earlier this year.
Speaking through lawyers Digby Brown, her family said: “While this verdict brings some closure, it can never undo the profound suffering our mother endured.
“Nothing will help us recover our mother’s lost final years. The horrific abuse she suffered over an extended period robbed her – and us – of any peace during the final years of her life.
“She was a beautiful, kind, and caring woman who deserved to feel protected. Instead, she was stripped of her basic decency and her voice.”
They said that Wilson’s crimes had a “traumatic effect” which “impacted her quality of life”, adding: “She struggled to sleep, to socialise, or to find any peace from the nightmare of suffering sexual abuse at the hands of a person who was supposed to be her carer.
“In her final years our mother was stripped of her dignity and her right to safety.
“We can at least take solace in knowing that we have honoured our mother’s memory by ensuring that the perpetrator of these heinous crimes will never be able to inflict them on any person again.
“It was the thought of others having to go through what she had that gave her the courage and bravery to speak up.”
Detective Constable Emma Maurer said at the time of his sentencing: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the women and their families affected by this appalling breach of trust.
“Those in care are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and have the right to feel safe, respected and protected.
“These women showed immense strength in coming forward about the abuse they suffered.
“The offences committed by Wilson were deeply distressing for the women. Sexual abuse of this nature will never be tolerated, and this case demonstrates that those who exploit individuals will be pursued and held accountable for their actions.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of physical or sexual abuse to report it to us, regardless of when it happened. All reports are thoroughly investigated, and we have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout."