A registered nurse who allegedly attempted to suffocate an elderly patient with a pillow remains behind bars after being charged with attempted murder late last week.
Detectives were called to the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in NSW on Thursday after a colleague was forced to intervene after allegedly witnessed 50-year-old nurse, Timothy Owen, attempt to smother an 80-year-old male patient.
The incident is believed to have occurred while the accused was working a night shift in a four-bed ward within the hospital while other patients were asleep.
According to reports, Mr. Owen was arrested at work the following evening after being met with detectives who had already spoken to witnesses and collected forensic evidence.
The alleged elderly victim is believed to be in a stable condition, but he was treated for shock and doctors are monitoring the condition of his health closely. It is believed that the elderly man had been at the hospital for about a month prior to the incident and that he has no current family.
While speaking to reporters, NSW Detective Superintendent Murray Reynolds described the attack as a ‘violent incident’ that was perpetrated against a vulnerable, bed-ridden man.
Mr. Owen was refused bail after being charged with suffocate strangle with intent to murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Bankstown Court.
Mr. Owen’s next appearance before the court is scheduled for August 26.
Photo Credit – iStock – 123ducu
