A disabled man is facing jail after being found guilty of preying on those more vulnerable than himself in a historic case in which a Stephen Hawking-style machine was used in court.
Wheelchair user Christopher Killick thought he would get away with sexual assaults on two men because they could not communicate, but he was convicted of sexual assault and another charge on physically disabled men between 1991 and 2005.
The victims braved their disabilities to give evidence at the Old Bailey. One used a Stephen Hawking-style machine to speak for him and the other used an intermediary to communicate with the court.
Killick, 47, of Roehampton, south-west London, who like his victims suffers from cerebral palsy, denied the charges but did not give evidence at the trial. He will be sentenced next month.
Johannah Cutts QC, prosecuting, said Killick was more physically able at the time he befriended the men and committed the offences.
"He knew how difficult it would be for them to tell others what had happened," said Miss Cutts.
"Christopher Killick has socialised and worked within the disabled community for many years.
"He abused his friendship with these complainants and took advantage of their difficulties.
"He forced himself sexually on men who could do nothing to prevent it and whom he believed would never be able to complain or tell others what had happened to them."
