A distressing case of alleged sexual assault within an aged care facility is currently unfolding at Coffs Harbour District Court. The court heard that a 76-year-old female resident was found screaming and partially unclothed in a corridor after reportedly being raped by a man more than half her age in the early hours of New Year's Day 2024.
The Alleged Attack in the Care Home
In the early hours of January 1, 2024, Hayden Carl Skinner, a 31-year-old drug user from Coffs Harbour, allegedly scaled a fence at an aged care facility. He then crossed a courtyard and entered the room of the 76-year-old victim through an unlocked sliding door.
A registered nurse discovered the elderly woman in the corridor, attempting to get into another resident's room. "She was screaming and yeah very distressed," the nurse testified. "She told me there was a man who came in inside her room and raped her." The court was told the woman described her assailant as a 'big, tall, black man' wearing a stocking over his head and a hoodie.
Details of the Assault and Aftermath
The Crown prosecutor, Brendan Campbell SC, detailed the alleged assault. The accused reportedly positioned the woman on her bed, removed her clothes, and covered her mouth while swatting her hand away from her call buzzer. The 76-year-old, who was in the care home due to poor physical health, later expressed guilt to the nurse, repeatedly saying, "I forgot to lock the door, it's my fault."
Following the incident, a medical examination at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital revealed bruising to her inner thighs and an abrasion to her genital area, which the prosecution stated was consistent with her legs having been forced apart. Skinner's DNA was found on the woman's pants, which were located on the floor near her bed. The court also heard that the victim had made consistent claims of rape to a paramedic, another resident, and her son.
The Defence and Ongoing Trial
Despite admitting to breaking into the room, Hayden Carl Skinner has pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated sexual assault. His public defender, Peter Pearsall, argued that Skinner, a drug user under pressure to pay off a debt, had entered with financial motives and no intention of sexual assault. Mr Pearsall claimed a struggle occurred without sexual contact after the woman woke and grabbed him, after which Skinner fled.
Police body-worn footage from hours before the alleged incident was played in court, showing Skinner affected by drugs or alcohol. He was arrested on January 4, 2024, and has been in remand for the past two years awaiting trial. The court was informed that the alleged victim has since passed away from causes unrelated to the assault. Judge Michael McHugh is hearing the trial without a jury, and proceedings continue.
