Jason Forde, a 56-year-old former nurse, has been extradited to the UK from Barbados to face charges of unlawful sexual activity with a woman who was being treated for a mental disorder at Homerton Hospital in Hackney during the 2000s. Forde appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday after arriving at Heathrow Airport on Friday, according to court papers.
Allegations and Charges
Forde is accused of having sexual intercourse with the woman while she was receiving treatment for a mental disorder at the hospital, as well as engaging in other sexual activity while she was in his care in the east London borough. The charges span several decades and multiple pieces of legislation.
Court documents detail eight charges against Forde, including one count of having sexual intercourse with a woman who was mentally defective, contrary to section 7(1) and schedule 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956, and one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a patient, contrary to section 128(1) of the Mental Health Act 1959.
Further Charges Under 2003 Act
The defendant also faces four charges under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, including two counts of sexual activity with a mentally disordered female involving penetration, contrary to section 30(1) and (3), and two counts of being a care worker engaged in sexual activity with a mentally disordered female involving penetration, contrary to section 38(1) and (3).
Additionally, Forde is charged with one count of sexual activity with a mentally disordered female without penetration, contrary to section 30(1) and (4), and one count of being a care worker engaged in sexual activity with a mentally disordered female without penetration, contrary to section 38(1) and (4) of the same act.
Court Appearance and Remand
Forde, who has no fixed abode, appeared in the dock wearing a grey tracksuit and glasses. He only confirmed his name and date of birth during the short hearing and was not asked to enter pleas. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear next at Wood Green Crown Court on August 25.
The extradition marks a significant step in the case, which has been ongoing for years. The woman involved was receiving treatment for a mental disorder at the time of the alleged offences, and the charges reflect the serious nature of the allegations against Forde.
Authorities have not released further details about the case, and Forde is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The upcoming court appearance will provide an opportunity for the legal process to proceed, and for the charges to be formally addressed.
