MERTHYR TYDFIL — Ieuan Crump, a 26-year-old former NHS healthcare support worker, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday, December 18, 2025, after being convicted of sexually assaulting two female patients during fake medical examinations at the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, Wales. The assaults, carried out for his own gratification while the women were in severe pain and highly medicated, were described by the judge as an "extreme abuse of trust."
At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Crump, of Gilfach, Caerphilly, was found guilty by a jury of nine counts of sexual assault, including three counts of assault by penetration. The offences occurred in August 2021 while he was employed to conduct scans and examinations.
Prosecutor Matthew Roberts told the court that Crump deliberately targeted young, vulnerable women under the influence of strong painkillers. "This was the most egregious, grotesque abuse of trust by somebody in a position of responsibility," Roberts said.
In victim impact statements, one woman detailed profound mental health deterioration: "The main emotional effect of the sexual assaults has been the negative effect on my mental health. I felt there was no way to escape the intrusive thoughts of what he did to me, which led me to try to take my life on three occasions. I just wanted my life to be over, so I didn’t have to relive what was in my head, of what Ieuan did to me. I feel very uncomfortable when I am treated by anyone in the medical profession, as I now trust no one, least of all medics. I have been living in a nightmare since this time… I feel like I’m a shell of the person that I used to be."
The second victim expressed lasting fear: "It has made me think that, if a healthcare worker can commit such an act, then any man is a threat. I do not want to be treated by the NHS or go back to the Grange."
Defending Crump, Marian Lewis highlighted his prior community volunteering with St John Ambulance. However, Judge Vanessa Francis rejected mitigation, stating the case involved "a breach of trust of the most serious kind." She noted Crump manipulated extremely vulnerable women in significant pain, performed unnecessary intimate examinations without gloves for "skin to skin" contact, and caused devastating, lifelong harm.
"Both young women involved in the treatment that you meted out have been utterly devastated by what you did to them," the judge said.
Crump was sentenced to nine years, serving at least two-thirds in custody before parole eligibility. He was placed on the sex offenders register for life, barred indefinitely from working with children and vulnerable adults, and issued restraining orders prohibiting contact with the victims.
Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Michael Jenkin praised the victims' courage: "Ieuan Crump exploited his position of power over two women when they were at their most vulnerable, for his own sexual gratification. His actions were an extreme breach of trust which was calculated and deliberate. The courage shown by the two women in giving their evidence to the jury allowed the Crown Prosecution Service to present a strong case, resulting in these convictions."
The case has raised serious concerns about patient safety in healthcare settings. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which operates the Grange Hospital, expressed deep regret and committed to reviewing procedures.
The convictions follow a pattern of rare but high-profile cases involving healthcare professionals abusing positions of trust. Advocacy groups have called for enhanced safeguarding measures and mandatory reporting protocols.
Crump denied the allegations throughout the trial, maintaining the examinations were legitimate. His conviction underscores the vulnerability of patients and the profound impact of such betrayals on trust in the NHS.
As the victims begin recovery, supported by specialist services, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting those seeking medical care.
