A 29-year-old man has been charged over the alleged sexual assault of an aged care resident in NSW.
Emergency services were called to an aged care home in Coffs Harbour about 2.30am on New Year’s Day following reports an unknown man had entered the room of a 76-year-old woman.
Police said the man allegedly entered her room via the courtyard, wearing a stocking over his head to disguise himself.
The woman woke from her sleep when she heard the man enter and attempted to fight off the attacker.
Police said the man then allegedly removed her underwear and sexually assaulted her.
The woman was able to escape and alert staff before the man fled by jumping over a fence.
Paramedics treated the woman at the scene before she was taken to hospital for further examination and treatment for minor injuries.
Superintendent Jane Doherty said the woman had been released from hospital and was now in the care of family.
“While she has health issues, we were very lucky in this instance she was agile enough and cohesive enough to be able to give us a statement and be able to defend herself,” she told reporters today.
“Physically she has bruises and scratches – she’s well supported by family.”
She said the accused was previously known to police, but did not provide further details.
“An attack like this in the security of your own bed is very difficult to come to terms with.”
Doherty said police have been conducting security and safety assessments at nearby nursing homes.
Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 29-year-old man on Thursday afternoon.
He was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and charged with aggravated sexual assault and break and enter with intent.
The man was refused bail to appear in Port Macquarie Local Court today.
