By Gemma Mitchell
Matthew Wharton
Source: Greater Manchester Police
A mental health nurse in Manchester has been jailed for repeatedly raping one of his patients in a deeply troubling case that has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community.
Matthew Wharton, 37, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison on 12 December after being found guilty of sexually abusing a 20-year-old female patient who was under his care in a mental health ward.
The judge overseeing the case condemned Wharton’s actions as a gross abuse of trust, emphasizing the devastating impact his crimes have had on an already vulnerable young woman. Chloe Stevens, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police, described the suffering inflicted on the victim as utterly deplorable.
At the time of his offenses, Wharton was working as an agency mental health nurse at Laureate House, a mental health facility managed by the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. The facility is located on the grounds of Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester. Wharton was tasked with supporting vulnerable patients, but instead, he exploited his position to target a young woman in his care.
The court heard that Wharton first reached out to the victim through social media in March 2024. He began coercing her into a relationship, taking advantage of her fragile mental state and the trust she placed in him as a caregiver.
Greater Manchester Police reported that Wharton’s predatory behavior escalated quickly. He began sexually assaulting and raping the victim both in the mental health ward itself and at various off-site locations where he took her under the pretense of legitimate activities. This manipulation allowed Wharton to isolate the victim and continue his abuse undetected for some time.
The abuse came to light in May 2024 when the victim bravely confided in another member of staff, reporting that Wharton had repeatedly raped her. Her courage in speaking out set the wheels in motion for an investigation, which led to Wharton’s swift arrest.
Following a thorough investigation by Greater Manchester Police, Wharton was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and rape. Prosecutors outlined how he used his position of authority to manipulate, isolate, and exploit the victim for his own gain.
During sentencing, the court recognized the significant harm Wharton’s actions had caused, not only to the victim but also to the trust patients placed in healthcare professionals. Judge Stevens stated that Wharton had betrayed his duty of care most egregiously, highlighting the long-term psychological damage inflicted on the young woman.
Chloe Stevens from Greater Manchester Police praised the victim for her strength and resilience in coming forward. She added, “The suffering Wharton has inflicted on a young and vulnerable woman is utterly deplorable. Her bravery in reporting this abuse has ensured that justice has been served.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and robust safeguarding measures within healthcare settings. Wharton’s sentencing brings a measure of justice to the victim, but it also underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from those who would exploit positions of trust.
The Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that a full internal review will be conducted to ensure that such breaches of trust are prevented in the future. Meanwhile, Wharton begins his four-and-a-half-year prison sentence, a punishment reflecting the severity of his crimes.
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