Ernest Paul Cruz, aged 38, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment at Bournemouth Crown Court after being convicted of sexually assaulting a vulnerable patient under his care at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday 30 July 2023, when the victim, a woman in her 30s, attended the hospital seeking emergency medical treatment after suddenly becoming unwell. Following an initial assessment in the emergency department, she was transferred to a private room.
Whilst alone in the room with the patient, Cruz stated that she needed to change out of her attire and began assisting her in removing her clothes. During this intervention, Cruz subjected the victim to inappropriate touching and carried out an assault by penetration.
The following morning, the victim disclosed the details of the attack to a female nurse, who immediately escalated the report to hospital management and Dorset Police. Detectives initiated an inquiry and attended Cruz’s home address later that day, placing him under arrest and conducting searches for corroborating evidence.
Under UK legislation, all victims of sexual offences are protected by lifelong statutory anonymity.
Cruz was formally charged with sexual assault and assault by penetration. He entered not guilty pleas, requiring the victim to attend court and give evidence during a Crown Court trial. The jury rejected Cruz’s account and returned guilty verdicts on both charges.
On Monday 28 September 2026, the trial judge sentenced Cruz to an immediate determinate term of seven years in prison. Under statutory sentencing provisions governing determinate sentences of seven years or more for serious sexual offences, Cruz will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in custody before becoming eligible for consideration for parole release.
The court also made Cruz subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, an indefinite restraining order preventing any contact with the victim, and mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register. Detectives commended the victim for her courage throughout the investigation and judicial process.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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