Man jailed for raping aged care resident in NSW
- Sentence handed down: Offender jailed for 12 years
- Serious offence: Judge cites victim vulnerability and fear
- Limited prospects: Court notes poor rehabilitation outlook
- Parole eligibility: Earliest release date February 2032
A man who broke into an aged care facility in Coffs Harbour, a coastal city 540km north of Sydney, and raped an elderly resident on New Year’s Day 2024, has been sentenced.
In handing down his sentence, Judge Michael McHugh said the rape of an elderly woman was "a serious example" of the crime 31-year-old Hayden Skinner committed in 2024.
"Particularly in the age differential", the crime would have been "very distressing" and the victim would have been "very fearful", the Judge said.
Following a judge-only trial last year, Skinner was found guilty of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent during a break and entry with intent at the aged care home in Coffs Harbour, on the NSW Mid North Coast in January 2024.
The 76-year-old woman, who can not be named for legal reasons, died not long after the incident from unrelated causes.
Assistant defence counsel Jessica Meech told the court the sexual assault charge was an "uncharacteristic aberration" in Skinner's considerable criminal history.
She said Skinner's drug addiction, homelessness, mental health conditions and childhood trauma were factors contributing to his offending.
Judge McHugh said Skinner's admission to breaking into the aged care home had saved the court valuable time, which was considered in his sentencing.
However, the Judge said, "As [Skinner] has shown no insight, his prospects of rehabilitation must always be diminished, particularly regarding recidivism.
"I can take these factors into account but cannot do so in a way that has a disproportionate impact on the sentence."
Skinner was sentenced to 12 years in prison with a non-parole period of eight years. He will be eligible to apply for parole on 11 February 2032.
