Former Kirklees Council social worker targeted 'vulnerable' women for sex

Feb 9 2010 By Huddersfield Examiner

Ms B’s husband then complained to social services but she was never interviewed because she was regarded as too vulnerable. When he was interviewed as part of the investigation, Healey denied making sexual advances towards her or talking about his wife.

He claimed that Ms B had touched his arm and leg and "invaded his personal space while they were sat on the settee".

The committee also heard that Healey, who later went on to take a job at North Yorkshire County Council, had groped and attempted to kiss a third woman, Ms A, during a home visit in January 2006. He then told her not to tell anyone because he could lose his job.

Ms A, an alcoholic who has since died, was visited by her mother later that day told her what had happened. Giving evidence to the committee, her mother said: "I said you should report him and she said no she didn’t want to. She felt she could not cope with the thought of it going to court."

But details about the incident emerged the following September when Ms A told a professional from a treatment centre that she did not want Healey to visit her when she was alone.

When an investigation was launched it was revealed that Healey had told managers the day after the events in January that Ms A had sexually assaulted him. He was suspended in November but given a final written warning.

Healey told managers that he had trouble with professional boundaries and found it difficult to say no to clients.

He was summarily dismissed by North Yorkshire County Council in November 2008 after an investigation into a complaint by Ms C’s husband.

The hearing continues.