DAVID MOXON STRUCK OFF IN NORTHERN IRELAND AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BELFAST AND DOWNPATRICK

A care worker from Northern Ireland, David Moxon, has been formally removed from his professional register following a conviction for sexually assaulting a vulnerable woman in her own home. The incident, which took place in October 2021, involved a blind and bed-bound woman under his care, and has led to serious repercussions for Moxon’s career in social care.

Details of the case emerged during a Fitness to Practice hearing conducted by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. It was revealed that Moxon was employed by Kingdom Healthcare at the time of the assault. This healthcare agency provides specialized services to private clients and health trusts across Northern Ireland, with offices located in Downpatrick, Belfast, and Lurgan. The agency’s clientele includes elderly individuals, those with physical disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

According to the tribunal, a female colleague of Moxon witnessed him reach over the woman and pinch her bottom. This colleague’s statement to police was explicit, describing how Moxon “reached over and pinched [the service user] on her bum,” which she found shocking and surprising. The committee was informed that Moxon initially denied any wrongdoing during police interviews, claiming that he had only touched the woman on her thigh in what he described as an ill-judged attempt at humor, meant to scare her. He insisted that his actions were not motivated by sexual intent, citing her blindness as a factor.

However, the evidence presented was clear. Moxon’s female colleague’s statement directly contradicted his account, and the police reports confirmed the incident. Moxon was convicted at a magistrates court in October 2022 of sexually touching the woman. He received a two-month jail sentence, which was suspended for one year, along with a requirement to pay £250 in compensation. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of seven years.

Despite his conviction, Moxon contested the charges and appealed the verdict and sentence at a county court on August 30, 2023. Unfortunately for him, the appeal was dismissed, and the original sentence was upheld. The regulatory committee’s published determination detailed the assault, emphasizing the severity of the misconduct, especially given the vulnerable state of the victim.

The committee highlighted that Moxon’s conduct was particularly egregious because it involved a service user who was both blind and bed-bound, and the assault occurred during the course of his professional duties. The committee noted that Moxon had been placed on a precautionary suspension by his employer following the incident. It was also pointed out that Moxon had no previous adverse findings in his professional record, which was considered a mitigating factor.

Nevertheless, the committee identified several aggravating factors, including the abuse of trust, the lack of insight and remorse from Moxon, and the direct impact on the vulnerable service user. The fact that the assault took place in the context of his work was deemed particularly serious. The committee concluded that Moxon’s actions were incompatible with the standards expected of a registered social care worker and that public protection required his removal from the register.

In its ruling, the committee emphasized that the conduct was at the most serious end of the spectrum and that Moxon’s behavior was deplorable. It stated that his lack of acknowledgment of the gravity of his actions and the potential harm caused to the victim and colleagues further justified the decision. As a result, an immediate removal order was issued, effectively barring Moxon from practicing as a social worker or care professional in Northern Ireland.

Moxon did not attend the hearing and has 28 days to lodge an appeal against the removal order. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and maintaining high standards of conduct within the social care sector.