Mixed ward sex attack man jailed

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A male patient who sexually assaulted an 82-year-old woman with dementia on a mixed-sex hospital ward in Greater Manchester has been jailed.

Dean Galley, 41, of Long Town Gardens, Halliwell, attacked the woman at Royal Bolton Hospital in June.

He denied the charge of sexual assault but was convicted after a trial at Bolton Crown Court in December.

Det Con Steve Riddle, speaking outside court, said it had been a "despicable attack against a vulnerable woman".

He said: "Galley took advantage of the situation and assaulted his victim who was not able to defend herself against him.

"I hope this woman's family can now take some comfort in the fact that he has now been brought to justice for what he did."

The use of mixed-sex wards in hospitals was criticised by the charity Age Concern following the trial.

A hospital spokeswoman said it had complied with national government guidelines on single-sex accommodation.

Galley was given an indeterminate sentence, with a requirement he serves a minimum of 18 months in prison before being eligible for parole.

He was also placed on the sex offenders' register.