Sentencing Adjourned For Laois Healthcare Assistant Convicted Of Sexual Assault

Kadima Tshikala of Portlaoise, was found guilty on two counts after a five day trial.

The sentencing of a Laois healthcare assistant convicted of sexually assaulting a teen girl recovering from a tablet overdose ,has been adjourned for a victim impact statement.

52 year old Kadima Tshikala of Dunamaise View, Portlaoise had been found guilty of two counts following a five day trial in Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, with a probation report ordered.

Mr Tshikala had been working at Regional Hospital Mullingar in 2024, where the girl, then 17 and suffering from depression and anxiety, was admitted.

During his trial, the jury heard the teenager had been assigned as an "independent patient," meaning she did not require assistance with washing or dressing.

She shared a ward with one other patient, a woman in her 60s.

The young woman was told she should have a shower, but she wanted to wait for her mother first.

When Tshikala suggested washing her face instead, she agreed because she thought it might have been dirty.

At this point the hospital agency worker pulled the curtains around her bed, undressed her and started washing her himself.

The other woman in the ward said he was too familiar with her and she took a swing at the accused.

While the defence argued there was a breakdown in communication regarding his instructions at the hospital.

Tshikala had insisted that he only cleaned her face, arm and armpits, but admitted he overstepped his role in giving her a massage

Sentencing has been adjourned for November 2nd.
 

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