A FEMALE social worker and foster carer was found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy she groomed.

Samantha Hesler was charged with two counts of sexual assault alleged to have taken place more than 20 years ago.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the jury how Hesler bought him cigarettes, booze and computer games during their three year sexual relationship.

The claims of abuse only came to light when the alleged victim broke down when his wife told him she wanted to be a social worker and he told her what had happened when he was a teenager, the court heard.

The-now 50-year-old had denied touching his genitals over his clothing or putting a condom on him in the late 90s when he would visit her Middlesbrough home.

Giving evidence during the four-day trial, the victim said he had a three-year affair with Hesler after befriending the married social worker in the 90s.

The jury heard how the sexual behaviour continued until they had full penetrative sexual intercourse when he was still a teenager.

“I believe I was groomed over a number of years, she didn’t give me any reason to leave. She used to buy cigarettes, alcohol and as many Playstation games as I could want.

“There was absolutely no reason for me to leave.”

Hesler, of The Dorkins, Great Broughton, near Stokesley, had denied two charges of sexual assault on the teenager when he was aged around 13-14.

The defendant told the jury that she never had a sexual relationship with the boy and denies he ever slept in her bed.

The jury retired for around an hour before returning the guilty verdicts.

Hesler was released on bail to allow time for a pre-sentence report to by compiled. She will be sentenced in December.

Judge Paul Watson QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, said: “Don’t take you being released on bail as an indication of likely sentence. These are very serious offences and a custodial sentence is likely.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054