Former Rochdale care worker sentenced after having sex with vulnerable woman

A former Rochdale care worker has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after having sex with a vulnerable woman.

Michael Ayrton, 48, of Llandudno, pleaded guilty at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to having penetrative sexual activity with a mentally ill woman whilst he was a care worker.

The charges relate to offences on 12 July 2013 and 6 December 2013 whilst Ayrton worked at the Hanson Corner Medical Centre in Middleton.

Ayrton has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.

He must also complete 210 hours unpaid work and be supervised for 24 months.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “Hanson Corner is a community mental health team run in partnership by both Rochdale Borough Council and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. Michael Ayrton was employed at this service until December 2013.

Our staff raised safeguarding concerns before his arrest and cooperated fully with the police investigation. We welcome this prosecution and are committed to working together to keep vulnerable people in our communities safe.”