Scottish Care Worker Jailed for Sexual Abuse of Disabled Man

A care support worker named Megan Neilson, 28, from Airdrie, Lanarkshire, was found to have engaged in sexual activities with a vulnerable man she was supposed to be caring for. The man, aged 29 and suffering from cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and a learning disability, entered into an improper relationship with Neilson after they quickly developed a close bond, declaring their love for each other. The relationship was exposed after they appeared hand-in-hand at his father’s house and claimed they were together. Neilson was accused of repeatedly kissing and cuddling the man during outings such as visits to a bowling alley and Strathclyde Park, and later performing a sex act on him while they sat in a parked car at Falkirk Wheel. Their inappropriate conduct came to light, and police were called after the pair’s conduct was disclosed. Neilson admitted to developing an emotional relationship and resigned from her role, but denied any sexual contact. Jurors convicted her of engaging in sexual activity with the man while providing care services, calling her actions a "gross breach of trust." She was placed on the sex offenders' register, and her sentencing was deferred until next month for reports. The court also noted that the man believed he was in a relationship with Neilson and described sexual acts between them in a police interview. Neilson expressed remorse, saying she felt terrible and that her actions had caused her anxiety, although she denied any sexual contact. The judge, Sheriff Linda Nicolson, told her that her crime was very serious and deferred her sentence, continuing her bail. Neilson was also noted to be unemployed.