A man who broke into a NSW aged care home and sexually assaulted a vulnerable 76-year-old resident has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars, in a case that has reignited concerns about the safety and protection of older Australians living in residential care.
Hayden Carl Skinner, 32, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault with intent following an attack on the woman at a Coffs Harbour aged care facility in the early hours of New Year’s Day in 2024.
The victim, who has since died from unrelated causes, cannot be identified due to legal protections.
The NSW District Court heard that Skinner entered the facility during the night and attacked the elderly resident in her own room, an environment that should have been one of safety and security.
When sentencing Skinner, Judge Michael McHugh described the offence as a serious example of aggravated sexual assault, highlighting the significant age difference between the offender and his victim, and the fear and distress she experienced during the attack.
Evidence presented to the court revealed the woman was deeply traumatised in the days after the assault, with the judge noting she was extremely upset and suffered a profound emotional impact.
The case is a confronting reminder of the vulnerability of many older people living in aged care. Families entrust providers with the safety and dignity of their loved ones, and incidents involving violence or abuse represent some of the most serious breaches of that trust.
While aged care homes are required to have security measures, policies and reporting systems in place to protect residents, advocates have long argued that more needs to be done to prevent abuse, improve staff training and ensure facilities can respond quickly when residents are at risk.
During sentencing, the court heard Skinner had a history of disadvantage, including childhood trauma, homelessness, drug addiction and mental health issues. He was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after experiencing sexual abuse as a child.
A psychological assessment suggested he posed a low-to-moderate risk of committing further sexual offences. However, the court found his limited insight into his actions and lack of demonstrated remorse weighed against stronger prospects of rehabilitation.
The judge acknowledged Skinner’s difficult background but made clear that the seriousness of the crime required a significant sentence.
Skinner was sentenced to 12 years in prison with a non-parole period of eight years. He will be eligible to apply for parole in February 2032.
For many in the aged care sector, the case is a disturbing reminder that the issue of elder abuse extends beyond neglect or poor standards of care. Older Australians can also be victims of violent criminal acts, making robust security, effective safeguarding systems and a culture of vigilance essential across the sector.
