A HEROIN user who assaulted a member of staff at a Worcester day centre by rubbing his sweat into her face and mouth has been jailed for five months.

Jason Baker’s actions were described and “revolting” and “invasive” when he was sentenced at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

As previously reported in your Worcester News, Karen Barker was forced to quit her job at Maggs Day Centre, in Deansway, following the incident in February.

Miss Barker, aged 46, of Barbourne, Worcester, had worked at the centre for eight years but feared for her safety when Baker was not banned as a result of the attack.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said Baker had entered the centre at about noon on Tuesday, February 17, while Miss Barker was carrying out her daily work.

Baker was “sweating profusely” and Miss Barker said she tried to avoid contact with him for health and safety reasons.

Mr Dodson said: “As he walked past her, he wiped his hand over her face and rubbed his hand on her cheek. He then forced his thumb and finger inside her mouth.”

In a statement, Miss Barker said his hands felt like they had been under a running tap and described the taste as “salty and disgusting”.

Mr Dodson said that Miss Barker had heard from a third party that Baker may be HIV positive and she had to be tested for HIV and hepatitis before being cleared to work elsewhere.

Miss Barker said she felt ashamed and dirty by having the tests, which came back negative after three months of waiting.

When interviewed by police, Baker said he couldn’t remember the incident and he denied assault in court.

The 37-year-old, of Dent Close, off Wyld’s Lane, was found guilty after a trial which took place in his absence.

Passing sentence, chair of the magistrates Michael Pilling said: “This court must send out a message to the vulnerable people who work in these areas that this behaviour won’t be tolerated.

“It was a particularly revolting offence, far beyond the normal definition of assault.”

Speaking after the court hearing, Miss Barker said: “I am delighted with the sentence. I had been too afraid to go into town while he was still around. I can now look forward to taking my daughters into town to go Christmas shopping.”

l Your Worcester News was the only member of the media at this hearing