NORMAN DEVLIN SHOCKS SEAHAM AND DARLINGTON HOSPITAL WITH CREEPY BEHAVIOR AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
| Red Rose Database
Seaham Child Abuser
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the Seaham and Darlington communities, Norman Devlin, a former healthcare professional, was involved in a highly inappropriate and sexually motivated act that led to his removal from the nursing register. The incident, which took place at Darlington Hospital in 2019, has garnered significant attention due to its unsettling nature and the subsequent disciplinary actions taken against Devlin.
According to reports, Devlin, who was employed as a senior nurse at Darlington Hospital operated by the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, was caught in a situation that revealed troubling behavior. A panel investigation uncovered that Devlin entered a bay in the discharge lounge while a colleague was in the process of changing. Witnesses testified that Devlin looked her up and down with a disturbing smirk, displaying a clear lack of respect for her personal boundaries.
One staff member, who observed the incident, recounted that Devlin’s actions were not accidental but deliberate and sexually motivated. She described how he opened the curtain enough to get a full view of the colleague, then looked her over with a creepy expression and smirked without offering any apology or explanation. The staff member emphasized that Devlin’s face was “horrible creepy,” and his eyes conveyed a sinister intent. This behavior caused her significant distress, and she immediately reported the incident to the hospital’s Chief Executive via email hours later.
The panel reviewing the case found that Devlin’s conduct was not a mistake but a calculated act. They concluded that his actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the colleague’s dignity and personal space, and were sexually motivated. The investigation also revealed that Devlin had not worked as a nurse since October 2020, and he denied all allegations linked to the incident, maintaining his innocence despite overwhelming evidence.
Legal and professional authorities, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, highlighted the serious implications of Devlin’s behavior. Clarissa Rodio, the case presenter for the NMC, stated that his actions caused significant emotional distress to the victim, referred to as Colleague A. She warned that such conduct fosters a toxic workplace environment and poses risks to patient safety. The panel noted a troubling lack of insight and remorse from Devlin, describing his denial as categorical and indicative of personality issues incompatible with continued registration.
In the misconduct documents published online, the panel explicitly condemned Devlin’s blatant violation of personal boundaries and his apparent indifference to the harm caused. They emphasized that his behavior was deeply harmful and demonstrated a disregard for the emotional well-being of colleagues. The panel concluded that Devlin’s actions were indicative of underlying personality problems that could not be reconciled with the standards expected of registered healthcare professionals.
Representing Devlin at the hearing, solicitor Karl Shadenbury stated that there was no evidence of misconduct before or after the incident and that Devlin did not pose a significant risk of repeating such behavior, especially since he had no intention of returning to nursing. Nonetheless, the panel decided to strike Devlin off the register, and an interim order was put in place during the 28-day appeal period.
In response, a spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust reaffirmed their commitment to patient and staff safety. They emphasized their open culture and the robust processes in place to encourage colleagues to report concerns. The trust also confirmed full cooperation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s investigation, underscoring their dedication to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment for all staff and patients alike.
According to reports, Devlin, who was employed as a senior nurse at Darlington Hospital operated by the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, was caught in a situation that revealed troubling behavior. A panel investigation uncovered that Devlin entered a bay in the discharge lounge while a colleague was in the process of changing. Witnesses testified that Devlin looked her up and down with a disturbing smirk, displaying a clear lack of respect for her personal boundaries.
One staff member, who observed the incident, recounted that Devlin’s actions were not accidental but deliberate and sexually motivated. She described how he opened the curtain enough to get a full view of the colleague, then looked her over with a creepy expression and smirked without offering any apology or explanation. The staff member emphasized that Devlin’s face was “horrible creepy,” and his eyes conveyed a sinister intent. This behavior caused her significant distress, and she immediately reported the incident to the hospital’s Chief Executive via email hours later.
The panel reviewing the case found that Devlin’s conduct was not a mistake but a calculated act. They concluded that his actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the colleague’s dignity and personal space, and were sexually motivated. The investigation also revealed that Devlin had not worked as a nurse since October 2020, and he denied all allegations linked to the incident, maintaining his innocence despite overwhelming evidence.
Legal and professional authorities, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, highlighted the serious implications of Devlin’s behavior. Clarissa Rodio, the case presenter for the NMC, stated that his actions caused significant emotional distress to the victim, referred to as Colleague A. She warned that such conduct fosters a toxic workplace environment and poses risks to patient safety. The panel noted a troubling lack of insight and remorse from Devlin, describing his denial as categorical and indicative of personality issues incompatible with continued registration.
In the misconduct documents published online, the panel explicitly condemned Devlin’s blatant violation of personal boundaries and his apparent indifference to the harm caused. They emphasized that his behavior was deeply harmful and demonstrated a disregard for the emotional well-being of colleagues. The panel concluded that Devlin’s actions were indicative of underlying personality problems that could not be reconciled with the standards expected of registered healthcare professionals.
Representing Devlin at the hearing, solicitor Karl Shadenbury stated that there was no evidence of misconduct before or after the incident and that Devlin did not pose a significant risk of repeating such behavior, especially since he had no intention of returning to nursing. Nonetheless, the panel decided to strike Devlin off the register, and an interim order was put in place during the 28-day appeal period.
In response, a spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust reaffirmed their commitment to patient and staff safety. They emphasized their open culture and the robust processes in place to encourage colleagues to report concerns. The trust also confirmed full cooperation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s investigation, underscoring their dedication to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment for all staff and patients alike.