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A trainee healthcare worker carried out a "totally unnecessary and fake medical procedure" to sexually assault a woman, a court has heard.

Ieuan Crump, 26, of Gilfach, Caerphilly, committed "a most grotesque abuse of trust," Cardiff Crown Court was told.

A jury heard that Mr Crump made a "no entry" sign to hang on the door of the rooms while he carried out the attacks at The Grange University Hospital in Torfaen in August 2021.

Mr Crump denies nine counts of sexual assault, including three allegations of sexual assault by penetration.

Prosecutor Matthews Roberts said the first woman came on to the ward after having her appendix removed.

The court heard she complained of swelling around her stomach and Mr Crump used a bladder scanner to examine her vagina and groin.

He also went into a room alone with her and inserted a catheter, a procedure he was not trained to do, the jury heard.

Mr Roberts said Mr Crump asked the patient to pull her shorts down and put her legs up, which was not necessary as the scan was similar to an ultrasound for pregnant women.

He added: "There was absolutely no medical reason or justification for her genitals to be exposed and far less touched.

"This was done for his own sexual pleasure. This was sexual abuse of a patient in a highly vulnerable state, someone obviously in pain and distress and something which was obvious to the defendant."

The second patient was admitted for a bowel condition on the same ward that week.

The court heard she later told police he touched her intimately, claiming he was carrying out a bladder scan.

It is alleged he carried out an intimate vaginal examination and began examining her bottom, prompting the woman to ask why he was doing it.

"All throughout this totally unnecessary and fake medical procedure she was also in considerable visible pain," said Mr Roberts.

"It is the prosecution case that the defendant committed a most grotesque abuse of trust placed in him by these two young women."

The trial continues.