A creepy Renfrewshire carer’s career is in jeopardy after he admitted sending sexual text messages to a colleague.
Seedy Anthony McDonald made sexual remarks and sent the messages to two female colleagues which caused them to leave their jobs in a bid to try and avoid him. The 60-year-old had worked as a carer at Hunterhill care home in Paisley where he admitted making a sexual remark to a member of staff.
McDonald, of Neilston Road in the town, worked as a healthcare support worker at Dykebar Hospital when he admitted repeatedly sending sexual messages to a female colleague.
Procurator fiscal depute Karen Yuill told Paisley Sheriff Court: “In June 2020, the female started work at Hunterhill care home. She was unknown to the accused and they had never been in any form of relationship.
“Approximately two weeks after starting her job, the accused introduced himself and, at first, the conversation was friendly. He asked for her phone number and she provided it. Contact was routine and friendly and progressed and he asked if they could meet outside of work. She declined.”
McDonald then described a sexual act he wished to carry out. Ms Yuill added: “Due to this, she felt she had to terminate her employment. When she handed in her notice, she told management this was the reason why.”
The court then heard how, between August and September 2023, McDonald sent a series of sexual messages to a colleague and asked for a kiss. Ms Yuill explained: “The accused and the female were healthcare support workers at Dykebar. He was a permanent employee at the time, and she was bank staff with the National Health Service.
“In August 2023, she started work and within one week the accused made contact and initially he was friendly and assisted her in getting a permanent position in the ward and provided his telephone number. On August 20, at 9.30pm, the accused and the female were in a patient’s room getting him ready for bed when he sent a text to her and, thereafter, numerous messages.”
The texts were full of sexually-charged content with McDonald making it clear he wanted to be intimate with her. Ms Yuill said: “Although uncomfortable, she did respond back and forth for a short time.
“She stopped accepting work at the [same] ward to avoid contact with the accused. She contacted her line manager and the matter was reported to the police.”
Defence agent Anthony Boland asked for reports. He said: “Mr McDonald has asked me to extend, vocally, an apology to both complainers for the unacceptable conduct. He realises the conduct and the gravity of that. He has no previous convictions and has been suspended from his work since these allegations.
“He is aware following conviction there will be an automatic registration to the notification requirement. He worked with patients with dementia and mental health problems for 20 years and he has jeopardised that and likely ended that career.”
Sheriff Eoin McGinty stated: “These are grave offences, you’ll be aware of that. I am duty bound to call for reports. First of all, because you’re a first offender and because, if I am considering custody, I have to have considered all options. All options in terms of sentencing are on the table.”
Sentence was deferred for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment. McDonald was placed on the sex offenders’ register meantime and will return for sentencing next month.
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