Vijay Bundhun

Vijay Bundhun, a 42-year-old former mental health nurse from Tonford Lane in Canterbury, Kent, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court for a series of serious sexual offences against six victims. He was convicted on four counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault, exploiting his professional position to target vulnerable individuals, particularly female patients receiving mental health treatment.

The offences came to light following investigations by Kent Police into assaults committed by Bundhun while he was employed as a nurse. In one case, Bundhun visited a patient at her home in Sittingbourne, persuading her to allow a massage before pinning her to the ground and raping her. He assaulted her again on a subsequent visit, this time with her child present in the room, demonstrating a brazen disregard for the victim's safety and privacy. Kent Police detailed how Bundhun systematically abused the trust placed in him as a healthcare professional.

During the ongoing investigation, another victim emerged, reporting that Bundhun had raped her several months earlier while she was under his care and heavily medicated. He had made multiple home visits, each time suggesting massages to 'help her relax', before carrying out the assault. The victim described to police feeling 'dazed' due to her strong medication, leaving her unable to fully comprehend or resist what was happening. This pattern of manipulation highlighted Bundhun's predatory behaviour towards those in vulnerable states.

Additionally, Bundhun was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Canterbury, further underscoring the breadth of his offending. In total, six victims suffered at his hands, all of whom were at their most vulnerable, as noted by Detective Constable Rebecca Taft of Kent Police. She stated: 'Bundhun took advantage of his victims when they were at their most vulnerable and did not feel as though they could do anything about it.' The court was told Bundhun must serve a minimum of 11 years before being eligible for parole, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

The case was prosecuted at Maidstone Crown Court, with evidence gathered by Kent Police confirming the convictions. Bundhun's actions not only violated his professional duties but also caused profound harm to those he was meant to help.