iStockA care home worker molested three vulnerable residents.
David Hillhouse preyed on his victims while working at a care home in Glasgow’s West End.
The 32-year-old attacked one of the men 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 passed away in his 90s, was groped by Hillhouse while in his room.
Hillhouse was brought to justice after the granddaughter of one of the late victims recalled an account he gave to her before his death.
He was found guilty by a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Hillhouse, of the city’s Penilee, was convicted of assaulting one man as well as ill-treating and wilfully neglecting the two others between 2017 and 2022.
Hillhouse was remanded in custody pending background reports next month by Sheriff Tony Kelly and put on the sex offenders register.
The court heard that Hillhouse had been working as a care assistant at the home since March 2016.
His first victim, then in his 90s, had revealed to his granddaughter that he had touched him in an intimate area.
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 touched by Hillhouse while he was receiving help on his bed.
One former colleague told jurors that she had gone to the ensuite in the OAP’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.”
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 fellow carer about how to clean a resident.
This witness told jurors in her evidence that Hillhouse’s actions were not necessary.
She said: “There was nothing sexual about it – he was just taking far too long explaining that you have to do this.
“It just did not seem appropriate to the job that we would be doing.”
The carer, who has since trained others on cleaning procedure, stated she would not do what Hillhouse did to the man.
Hillhouse confirmed to the court that he is no longer working in the care sector.
Sentencing was deferred pending background reports until next month.
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