Sep 02, 2024

Perth aged care worker sentenced, likely to be deported

2_9_24_HC_sentencing
A Perth judge sentenced an aged care worker to two years in prison. [Shutterstock]

A Perth aged care worker who pleaded guilty to three counts of ‘indecently dealing with an incapable person’ has been sentenced to two years in prison and is likely to be deported as a result of the conviction.

Kenyan-born James Ng’Ang’A Irungu, 27, worked at various aged care facilities across Perth before the incident occurred in March this year at a site in Claremont. They were captured on CCTV and seen by the victim’s daughter who reported Mr Irungu to police. 

He was charged just one day later.

CCTV footage captured the aged care worker placing the older man’s hand on his genitals, including inside his pants. The court heard that when the victim, who has dementia and Parkinson’s disease, tried to move his hand away Mr Irungu moved it back.

The 83-year-old resident has since passed away.

Mr Irungu only arrived in Australia from Kenya in 2023 and was a student at Edith Cowan University.

His defence lawyer, Tony Hager, told the court Irungu had “re[ressed his sexuality” and had a “deep feeling of shame” following the incident. Mr Hager added that his client has struggled with the realisation this is how his homosexuality has been revealed.

Approximately 85% of Kenya’s population is Christian, with Islam as the second-largest religion. Same-sex marriage is banned while sodomy and sexual practices between men are felonies and subject to imprisonment. 

Judge Alan Sefton said Mr Irungu’s offence could undermine confidence in staff and the aged care home where it occurred. He said family members of residents place their trust in staff but that was all jeopardised.

“You selfishly betrayed that trust. You were in a position of care,” Judge Sefton said.

Judge Sefton said there was a need for personal deterrence and general deterrence, with a sentence that reflected the seriousness of the offending.

Mr Irungu received sentences of eight months, 12 months and 16 months on the three counts, with sentences on count one and two cumulative, totalling 24 months in jail.

The assailant is eligible for parole, however, it was noted that his visa is likely to be cancelled and he will be deported.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Only 30 ADF personnel a week were sent to help aged care staff shortages

Recent Government data has shown an average of just 30 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were deployed to aged care facilities across Australia each week, despite ongoing staff shortages in the sector due to COVID-19. Read More

Pandemic heroes facing homelessness: Rental crisis hits COVID-essential workforce

COVID-essential workers in the care and services sector are facing a rental affordability crisis, with new figures showing rent on an apartment would cost at least one third of their weekly income in 87 of Australia’s 104 geographic regions. "We must find a way to let them live close to their work." Read More

Elderly man fined for ‘disrupting’ sacred aboriginal site on his own farmland

A WA farmer battling cancer has been fined $2,000 for building a bridge on his own property under the Aboriginal Heritage Act. The court ruled that while no major damage was done, the site was altered without approval. Read More
Advertisement