Dorset Police news site

Detectives have praised a victim for her courage in coming forward after she was sexually assaulted by a nurse while unwell in hospital.

A woman aged in her 30s was taken for treatment at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital after becoming unwell during the early hours of Sunday 30 July 2023.

When she arrived at the hospital she was assessed in the emergency department before being moved to another room.

As she was alone in the room with nurse Ernest Paul Cruz, he said that she needed to change and he assisted taking her clothes off.

During this he began touching her inappropriately and proceeded to sexually assault her.

The victim disclosed what had happened to a female nurse the following morning and police were notified.

Officers attended the defendant’s home address, and the 38-year-old was arrested later that same day.

A full investigation was launched by detectives to compile evidence and Cruz was subsequently charged.

After the victim bravely gave evidence at trial, he was found guilty of sexual assault and assault by penetration. He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 28 September 2026 to seven years in prison. He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register. 

Detective Constable Jordan Hopkins, of Dorset Police, said: “The victim was in a vulnerable position, having been admitted to hospital when unwell, at the time she was sexually assaulted by Ernest Cruz.

“She has shown immense courage in coming forward to disclose what happened to her, support our investigation and give evidence during the trial.

“I hope the bravery has shown gives strength to other victims of sexual offences and encourages them to come forward in the knowledge that we will take them seriously, victims will be supported and we will do all we can to ensure perpetrators are held to account.”

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.