Robert Wilson, aged 53, has been found guilty of repeatedly sexually assaulting Yvonne Carnie, a vulnerable resident at The Abbey care home in North Berwick. The assaults occurred between August 2022 and February 2023. Ms Carnie, who suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy, sadly passed away at the age of 70 before the trial concluded.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard detailed evidence of Wilson’s attacks, which highlighted significant safeguarding failures at the care home.
Victim's Family Speaks Out
The family of Yvonne Carnie issued a statement through their legal representatives at Digby Brown. They expressed profound sorrow that Ms Carnie “did not live to see justice prevail” and described her as “a beautiful, kind, and caring woman who deserved to feel protected.” The family condemned the care home for its lack of support and drew attention to a systemic failure to protect vulnerable individuals in residential care.
Serious Charges Proven
Wilson was convicted of multiple sexual assaults against Yvonne Carnie, including attacks while she was asleep and unable to give consent. Additionally, he was found guilty of raping a younger woman in Tranent between January and March 2013. However, the court did not find sufficient evidence to prove the charge of repeatedly raping the care home resident.
Judge Condemns Actions
Lady Ross, presiding over the case, described the assaults as particularly serious given Yvonne’s medical condition and the trust placed in Wilson as her carer. She told Wilson, “She was somebody for whom you were supposed to care, and that is something that means that what you have done is a bad thing indeed.”
Care Home Safety Concerns
During the trial, police interview footage was shown in court where Yvonne, who also suffered from dementia, referred to Wilson as “the bad man” and described her feelings of being violated. The case has exposed major concerns regarding the safeguarding of vulnerable adults in residential care settings.
Sentencing And Registers
Wilson was remanded in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for June 2026. He has been placed on the sex offenders’ register, and his conviction will be reported to Scottish Ministers under legislation designed to protect vulnerable groups and prevent future harm.
Originally published by UKNIP.
