Care Worker Joshua Springer Jailed for 21 Years After Predatory Attacks on Vulnerable Residents MP Alicia Kearns for Rutland and Stamford Issues Statement.

Care Worker Jailed for 21 Years After Predatory Attacks on Vulnerable Residents

By Rutland Democracy Reporter Monday, February 23, 2026

A Stamford care assistant who used his position of trust to carry out a series of "horrific" sexual assaults on dementia patients has been jailed for 21 years.

Joshua Springer, 36, formerly of Cornstall Buildings, Stamford, was sentenced on Friday, February 20, at Lincoln Crown Court. The sentencing follows his earlier guilty plea in December to nine counts of rape and three counts of making indecent images of children including those in the most extreme category.

The court heard that Springer’s victims included three elderly residents suffering from dementia at a care home in the Stamford area, as well as a fourth victim in North Yorkshire. To protect the anonymity of the survivors, authorities have not named the specific care facility or the North Yorkshire location.

The investigation into Springer, who also uses the names Joshua Kearney and Joshua Kearney Springer, began in June 2025 after reports emerged of vulnerable people being assaulted. He was arrested on July 26, 2025.

Judge Simon Hirst delivered a significant custodial sentence to reflect the severity of the "appalling" breach of trust, 21 years in prison. A six-year extension to his licence period. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the remainder of his life. Lifelong registration on the Sex Offenders Register.

Alicia Kearns MP  "Heinous Crimes Against the Most Vulnerable"

Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Stamford, released a strong statement following the sentencing, confirming she will be referring the case to the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

"Joshua Springer abused his position of power to commit the most heinous crimes against the most vulnerable in our society," Alicia Kearns stated. "While I welcome that he is now behind bars, I will be doing everything in my power to ensure he never gets out of prison.

I have already been in contact with the Attorney General’s office to refer this sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The judge himself recognised that Springer is a danger to society, and we must ensure the punishment truly reflects the lifelong trauma he has inflicted on his victims and their families.

My thoughts remain with the survivors. Their immense bravery in coming forward has ensured a predator is off our streets. I also want to thank the East Midlands Special Operations Unit for their meticulous investigation."

Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovatt, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, emphasised that the case may not be closed.

"While Springer has today been sentenced for his horrific crimes, that does not mean that our investigations have stopped,” said DCI Lovatt. “Our team has worked tirelessly for some time in bringing Springer to justice, and there may be other potential victims who perhaps have not yet come forward."

If you have information:

Call 101 (Ask for Lincolnshire Police) and quote Incident 272 of 28 November.

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you have been affected, resources are available at lincs.police.uk/support-for-victims.