An assistant nurse has been charged over the alleged sexual assault of a cognitively impaired resident at a northern New South Wales aged care home, with the accused refused bail ahead of a court appearance later this year.
Police allege the offences occurred between November 2023 and February 2024 at a residential aged care facility in the Clarence Valley region, near Grafton.
Dylan Bowring, 27, has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a victim with cognitive impairment, aggravated sexual touching, and aggravated carrying out of a sexual act with another person.
According to NSW Police, the investigation began in June after authorities received a report regarding the alleged offences. Bowring was arrested at Grafton Police Station on Monday before appearing in court later that day.
He did not apply for bail during the initial hearing and was formally refused bail. He is scheduled to appear before Grafton Local Court on 7 September, where his lawyer has indicated a bail application may be made.
The allegations have prompted a response from aged care provider Whiddon, which now manages the facility where the alleged offences are said to have occurred.
In a statement, the provider said it was “deeply shocked” by the allegations and had immediately contacted the resident’s family after being informed of the matter by police. It also notified the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
“We have been in regular contact with the resident’s family and are offering all of our support to them at this time,” a spokesperson said.
Whiddon noted that the alleged incident predates its management of the home but stressed that resident safety remains its highest priority.
“While the alleged incident predates Whiddon’s management of the home, we take any allegation concerning the safety and wellbeing of residents extremely seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“The safety, dignity and wellbeing of our residents remains our highest priority, and we are deeply shocked and saddened by the reports.”
The organisation said it has been actively investigating the matter since becoming aware of the allegations to ensure the wellbeing of other residents. It also confirmed the accused is a former employee.
The case has again drawn attention to the vulnerability of older Australians living in residential aged care, particularly residents with cognitive impairment who may face additional barriers to reporting abuse or advocating for themselves.
