A former Bradford care worker who sexually abused a vulnerable woman has been jailed for 20 months — with a judge warning that the courts must protect society’s most vulnerable people.

Idris Sheikh, of Carlisle Place, Bradford, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court on Friday, October 16 – his 46th birthday.

A jury convicted him following a trial in August over offending committed in 2021. He continues to deny the offence.

Sentencing him, Judge Christopher Smith rejected a plea for a sentence that would spare him immediate imprisonment.

“In my judgment the seriousness of this offending means only appropriate punishment can be achieved by immediate custody,” he said.

“The message has got to go out that the courts will protect the most vulnerable members of society.”

The judge told Sheikh he would not be able to work in the care industry again.

He also criticised Sheikh’s explanation for the forensic evidence linking him to the offence.

“You denied this offending in your interview and came up with a frankly fanciful suggestion as to how your DNA was found inside the back of her knickers,” Judge Smith said.

The court heard Sheikh had not given evidence during his trial.

Although, the judge acknowledged Sheikh might spend a relatively short time behind bars, he said the “clang of the cell door” would bring home the seriousness of his offending.

Sheikh was jailed for 20 months and must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

It is likely he will be free in seven months