A CARE worker who sexually abused a vulnerable man has been jailed.

Damon Suthers, 32, repeatedly carried out sex acts on the victim over a three-week period.

The offences came to light when the victim disclosed the abuse to his family.

Specialist officers from Leeds District Safeguarding Unit began an investigation and Suthers was arrested.

He denied the offences and accused the victim of making up the allegation.

He was subsequently charged with an offence relating to being a care worker who had engaged in sexual activity with a person in his care.

Suthers, of Upton, Pontefract, was convicted of the offence on November 4 last year and was sentenced today (Friday) at Leeds Crown Court to 18 months in prison.

Detective Inspector Vikki Daniel-Thomas, of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, said: “Suthers abused his position of trust to exploit this vulnerable victim who he was supposed to be caring for.

“His actions have had a lasting traumatic impact on the victim, and we hope it will help him and his family to know that Suthers has now been held to account and sent to prison.

“Offences such as this are always treated seriously and fully investigated by specialist safeguarding officers, who will do everything they can to support victims.”