Glasgow care home worker who molested three elderly men jailed for two years

A care home worker who molested three vulnerable residents has been jailed for two years.

David Hillhouse, 32, attacked one of the men at the care home in Glasgow’s West End while giving a demonstration to a new colleague about how to clean a resident.

Hillhouse repeatedly touched a second man, who has since died, as he was being helped onto his bed to do the toilet.

A third man, who has also died, was groped by Hillhouse while in his room.

Hillhouse was brought to justice after the third man’s granddaughter spoke of a harrowing account he gave to her before his death.

He was found guilty by a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Hillhouse, of Penilee, was convicted of assaulting one man as well as ill-treating and wilfully neglecting the two others between 2017 and 2022.

Sheriff Tony Kelly put Hillhouse on the sex offenders register at sentencing.

The court heard that Hillhouse had been working as a care assistant at the home since March 2016.

His first victim had told his granddaughter that he had touched him on an intimate area when he was aged around 92.

Prosecutor Ryan Watson told jurors in his closing speech: “The man made a motion with his hands.

“He asked for Hillhouse to be kept away from him.

“The victim’s granddaughter told you how her grandfather was extremely upset, crying and broke down.

“Although the man had physical ailments, there was no concern about his mental capabilities.”

The second man was around 71 when he was intimately touched by Hillhouse while he was receiving help on his bed so he could use the toilet.

A nurse told jurors that she had gone to the ensuite in the man’s room to get cleaning equipment.

Mr Watson added: “She came back and saw the man lying on his front with half of his face on a pillow.

“Hillhouse was stood at the side of the man and was disgusted by what she had seen.”

She told the jury that Hillhouse repeatedly touched the man in an intimate area of his body.

The carer then reported the matter to senior management.

A third man was 66 when he was attacked by Hillhouse, who was showing a demonstration to a new colleague about how to clean a resident in an intimate area of their body.

She told jurors in her evidence that Hillhouse’s actions were not necessary.

Another carer reported seeing Hillhouse also “slap” foam onto the man’s face when giving him a shave.

She stated that she had to wipe the foam away from the man’s nose.

Hillhouse confirmed to the court that he is no longer working in the care sector.