A 29-year-old man faced court this morning after police arrested and charged him over the alleged sexual assault of a woman living in a Coffs Harbour aged care home in the early hours of January 1.
The incident is the latest in an unfortunate series of sexual assaults within aged care settings, including an alleged rape that resulted in the death of a 90-year-old Central Coast woman. Recent data also indicates NSW police are making an average of 12 visits to aged care homes every day as the number of assaults in aged care increase.
Police in Coffs Harbour were called to a residential aged care home at around 2.30am on New Year’s Day following reports an unidentified man had entered the room of a 76-year-old resident. The man fled the scene after the alleged assault occurred.
It’s alleged he entered the room via courtyard with his face concealed. The woman resisted her attacker, kicking him in the groin and scratching at his face.
“The woman heard a door open and woke to see the man walking through her room with a stocking over his face,” Commander of Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said.
“As a result of that, he moved back and the woman managed to get to her feet and run through an internal door to where night staff were working.”
Following diligent investigations, police arrested a 29-year-old man on Thursday afternoon. Footage supplied by NSW Police shows the man was arrested outside of a shop wearing only a pair of shorts.
He was taken to the Coffs Harbour Police Station where he was charged with aggravated sexual assault – break and enter with intent by Sex Crimes Squad detectives.
Elsewhere, the 76-year-old woman had received prompt treatment by paramedics before she was taken to the local hospital where she was examined further and treated for minor injuries.
She is now recovering back at her aged care home with the support of her family as well.
The 29-year-old was refused bail on Thursday and appeared in the Port Macquarie Local Court today with another court appearance scheduled for Monday.
