A CARER has admitted to sexually abusing a pensioner with dementia at a Barrow nursing home on Christmas Day - after being caught by a hidden camera.

Dylan Birkett, 21, was caught on the camera molesting the elderly woman in her bedroom.

Preston Crown Court also heard how he was seen brushing her hair and using hairspray on her as she resisted.

Dressed in a blue shirt and black trousers, Birkett spoke only to plead guilty to charges of sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity.

He denied a charge of ill-treatment or neglect in respect of the hair brushing.

David Traynor accepted the charge of not guilty on behalf of the prosecution but said the actions were “a way of establishing control” over the victim, which would be taken into account when Birkett is sentenced later this year.

Sharon Watson, defending, asked for a psychiatric report to be carried out before Birkett returns to court on December 17.

She said: “His behaviour is shocking and unexpected.”

Birkett, of Bay View Grove, Barrow, has been made the subject of notification requirements, meaning he must tell the police where he is living and is not allowed to work with children or vulnerable adults.

Judge Richard Gioserano said: “The victim was an elderly woman and a patient with dementia.

“The seriousness of this is clear.

"The sentence will have to be adjourned for preparation of reports to address a number of issues - not least the risk you pose to the public.”