A male nurse has been jailed for five years for indecently assaulting a disabled patient.

Ronald Mason, 59, of Garricks Road, Broadwater, Worthing, was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court yesterday.

He repeatedly assaulted a 53-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, over a 19-month period at a West Sussex nursing home.

As the verdict was read out, the woman's family wept with relief.

The court then heard Mason had a previous conviction from 1968 when he was found guilty of indecently assaulting an 11-year-old girl in north London.

Judge Charles Kemp said to Mason: "These convictions represent a campaign on your part.

"In late 2000 and 2001, when you were working as a care assistant, you targeted that lady.

"You befriended her, gained her trust and abused her, touching her intimately for your own personal and sexual gratification.

"It is hard to imagine a more wicked abuse in a position of trust.

"Although your previous convictions were many years ago, it suggests you have a tendency to target vulnerable people."

The judge also made a restraining order on Mason to prevent him from working as a care assistant again.

The case made legal history when the victim, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, became one of the first adults in the country to give evidence via a live television link.

She told the court she became friends with Mason after arriving at the home but, as time went on, his behaviour became inappropriate.

The court heard how on one occasion Mason "jumped on top" of the victim during a physiotherapy session. On another, he indecently assaulted her during bath time in the presence of another nurse, who gave evidence during the case.

Mason also exposed himself to her and asked her to perform a sex act.

Speaking after the case, the victim's husband said: "I would like to thank the people who gave evidence on my wife's behalf. They were very brave and I do not hold them or the home responsible in any way.

A manager of the nursing home said: "We deeply regret that, despite our best endeavours and guidance given to staff in our care policies, these regrettable incidents occurred."

Mason will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for the rest of his life.