A mental health worker who repeatedly slept with a “vulnerable” patient has avoided jail.

Ramadan Ahmeti, who worked in Folkestone, persuaded the mentally unwell woman to rub cream into his thighs before engaging her in a sexual relationship.

The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to sexual activity of a person with a mental disorder by a care worker on at least five occasions on the day of trial earlier this year.

Canterbury Crown Court heard although the relationship was consensual Ahmeti breached a position of trust, leaving his victim with “deteriorating mental health.”

His patient, who must remain anonymous for legal reasons, told the court she “fell madly in love with” Ahmeti and was “devastated” when police began investigating his conduct.

The court heard another service user flagged the relationship to the authorities and Ahmeti was suspended.

Following the relationship she was treated at an acute mental health unit.

"Now I feel used, stupid and like a fool..." — Ahmeti's victim

And when Ahmeti continuously lied denying the relationship to save his reputation the woman felt betrayed.

“Now I feel used, stupid and like a fool,” she told the court.

Their relationship was struck up when Ahmeti invited his patient to his home for dinner.

In the first instance there was no sexual activity, prosecutor Caja Aeiff-Musgrove explained.

But the relationship turned lurid when Ahmeti asked his patient to rub anti-inflammatory cream onto his thighs, the court heard.

Defence barrister John Fairhead said his client, who now works as a Tesco delivery driver, has “ruined his life.”

He explained how Ahmeti was employed by Kent County Council, and commuting from London to Folkestone.

Now Ahmeti can no longer work in the profession Mr Fairhead said, adding his client engaged in the relationship after becoming lonely.

Ahmeti remained passive throughout the sentencing hearing, where his victim watched from the public gallery.

Judge Simon James rapped Ahmeti, who lives in London, for breaching the “vulnerable” woman’s trust, pointing out his career is now finished. The judge handed a 20 month prison term suspended for two years and ordered him to undertake 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

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