Man guilty of raping 76-year-old NSW aged care resident
Judge Michael McHugh said: “It stretches credulity beyond breaking point that this elderly woman, suffering a number of ailments, should be able to hold him down.”
Following a judge-only trial, 31-year-old Hayden Skinner has been found guilty of raping an aged care resident in Coffs Harbour, on the NSW Mid North Coast.
The 76-year-old woman, who can not be named for legal reasons, has since died from unrelated causes.
Skinner was charged on 4 January 2024 and found guilty of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent during a break and entry with intent.
The defence said Skinner broke into the facility and the woman’s room in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2024, with the intention of stealing valuables. He testified that the elderly woman’s injuries resulted from his struggle to escape.
Judge Michael McHugh said: “It stretches credulity beyond breaking point that this elderly woman, suffering a number of ailments, should be able to hold him down.”
He said the Crown proved Skinner had sexually assaulted the 76-year-old without her consent.
“In all circumstances, I find beyond reasonable doubt the accused knew she did not consent, in regards to her protestations,” Judge McHugh said.
“I am also satisfied as to aggravation that he broke in with the intention of sexual assault, as he must have formed that view on entering that room, given he assaulted her immediately.”
Skinner will be sentenced on 2 February 2026.
