Dorset Police news site

A psychiatric nurse who formed a sexual relationship with a vulnerable patient has been jailed following a complex investigation by Dorset Police.

Adam Culverwell, 53 and of Yeovil, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for ten counts of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker and one count of inciting sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker.

Culverwell had previously been employed by Dorset Healthcare Trust as a Community Psychiatric Nurse and supported the victim from September 2016 through to December 2020.

In June 2021, it was reported to police that Culverwell had been involved in a relationship with the victim while she was under his care.

Culverwell was arrested and a complex and lengthy police investigation ensued, which involved taking multiple statements, viewing medical records, carrying out CCTV trawls and analysing mobile phone records.

Officers were able to secure charges for Culverwell in June 2024 and the case went to trial at Bournemouth Crown Court in April 2025.

Prosecutors successfully argued that due to his position, Culverwell would have been keenly aware about the victim’s mental health issues and therefore would be considered to have exploited his position.

He was sentenced at the same court on Friday 6 June 2025.

Detective Constable Chloe Riley, of Dorset Police, said: “The victim in this case was a vulnerable individual. Culverwell was a professional in charge of managing the victim’s complex mental health conditions and exploited his position for his own sexual gratification.

“I’d like to commend the victim for their bravery in coming forward and continuing to support our investigation, as well the court process.

“I hope the investigation and its result sends a message to all victims of sexual offences that we will do all we can to investigate offences, support those impacted, and ensure offenders are brought to justice.”