Care home worker jailed for rapes of three women in Lincolnshire

A care assistant was sentenced to 21 years after pleading guilty to multiple sexual offences against elderly residents and to possessing indecent images; the court imposed an extended licence, a sexual harm prevention order and lifetime sex offender registration.

A care assistant at a residential home in Lincolnshire has been jailed after admitting multiple sexual offences. The case was heard at Lincoln Crown Court, where the defendant pleaded guilty to a range of charges that included rape and the possession of indecent images. The judge said the offending caused severe psychological harm and involved a gross breach of trust because the victims were vulnerable. The offending came to light after a colleague interrupted an incident and further material was disclosed to police. Key facts: - Defendant Joshua Springer, 35, pleaded guilty to 12 offences, including multiple counts of rape and offences relating to indecent images of children. - Sentence: 21 years in prison, followed by an extended licence period of six years on release, a sexual harm prevention order and lifetime registration as a sex offender. - How discovered: A colleague interrupted an incident on 18 June and additional information was provided to police by a family member, prompting further investigation. - Impact: Relatives gave impact statements describing psychological harm and increased withdrawal among the victims; the judge noted their vulnerability and the gross breach of trust. Summary: The court found the offending aggravated by the severe harm to vulnerable victims and pronounced a long custodial term with post-release supervision and legal restrictions. Officials described the abuse as an abuse of trust; the defendant will serve the sentence and remain subject to the court's imposed orders after release.