Family Speaks Out on Abuse of Vulnerable Mother
A family has revealed that their vulnerable mother endured "profound suffering" at the hands of a care worker who sexually assaulted her multiple times while she resided in a residential care home.
Robert Wilson, aged 53, was found guilty of attacking Yvonne Carnie between August 2022 and February 2023 at a care facility located in North Berwick, East Lothian.
Yvonne required care due to a progressive brain disorder that impaired her mobility. Her family stated she passed away at age 70 before the legal proceedings concluded, and "without ever feeling truly safe again."
Wilson was also convicted of raping another woman in Tranent in 2013. His sentencing is scheduled for June.
Family Statement on Yvonne's Character and Experience
Through their legal representatives, Yvonne's family described her as a "beautiful, kind and caring woman who deserved to feel protected."
"Instead, she was stripped of her basic decency and her voice," the family said.
"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.
"The pain of watching our otherwise sociable and happy mum struggle to cope, and the lack of support offered by the organisation responsible for her care, has left us all with a deep sense of anger and injustice."
Details of the Case and Medical Condition
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Yvonne was receiving continuous care for a rare neurological condition known as progressive supranuclear palsy.
This disorder is caused by the accumulation of protein in the brain and can lead to difficulties with balance, movement, vision, speech, and swallowing.
Over a period of seven months, Wilson subjected Yvonne to various assaults, including kissing her and touching her body inappropriately.
Wilson faced additional charges of raping Yvonne while she was asleep and continuing the assault after she awoke, but he was acquitted of these allegations.
Trial Proceedings and Victim's Testimony
During the trial, jurors viewed footage of interviews conducted by specially-trained police officers with Yvonne, who was reported to have dementia.
Yvonne acknowledged her awareness that the discussion would concern "the bad man," whom she identified as Robert.
Speaking about one incident, she said: "It made me feel dirty."
Wilson testified that he understood it would be inappropriate for him as a carer to engage in sexual activity with a resident, stating: "But that never happened."
Judicial Remarks and Sentencing Status
Judge Lady Ross described Wilson's earlier rape conviction involving another woman as "a very serious matter."
Regarding Yvonne, the judge stated: "She was somebody for whom you were supposed to care and that is something that means that what you have done is a bad thing indeed."
"You must understand these are things I have to take extremely seriously."
The judge postponed sentencing to allow for the preparation of a background report on Wilson and remanded him in custody.
Wilson has been placed on the sex offenders register, and his conviction will be reported to Scottish ministers under the protection of vulnerable groups legislation.
