A midwife has been convicted of assaulting a woman during a labour-inducing procedure.
Jennifer Gaisford was accused of sexually assaulting her ‘vulnerable’ victim by ‘stimulating’ her as she carried out a membrane sweep in September 2021.
However, following a trial at Swindon Crown Court, the 52-year-old was acquitted of carrying out a sexual crime by a jury – but convicted of assault by beating.
The incident, which happened in Chippenham, was described as “a prolonged assault targeting a vulnerable woman” at a sentencing hearing yesterday (17 August).
Gaisford’s defence barrister, Andrew Taylor, spoke of her good character while addressing Judge James Townsend.
He said the defendant has no previous convictions and added: “This is a woman who dedicated years of her life to helping the NHS.”
When referring to the midwife’s colleagues, Mr Taylor said: “They speak in glowing terms of Jennifer Gaisford.”
Adding: “There were lots of things going on in her life, her mother was very seriously ill.”
Sentencing Gaisford, Judge Townsend said: “Your initial and detailed defence is that you were carrying out the stimulation as you had read it during research. The evidence you gave during the witness box is not true.
“The effect of what you did on your patient is undoubtedly very serious, she was very vulnerable and had previous problems with a previous pregnancy.
“You are of previous good character and you worked for many years as a midwife without a blemish on your record. You took steps which were obviously capable of causing stress.”
The defendant, of Velley Hill in Gastard, near Corsham, was handed a 12-month community order with the requirement to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. She is also required to carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.
