Man charged with murder over elderly woman’s death following alleged sexual assault at aged care home

A man is facing a murder charge over the death of an elderly woman who he is alleged to have sexually assaulted at an aged care facility in New South Wales.

The 90-year-old woman was seriously injured during the assault by a man who allegedly broke into her nursing home in the Central Coast town of Bateau Bay on November 15, 2023.

Police allege the man used bedding to silence the woman’s calls for help, and pinned her to the bed, causing injuries to her arms, legs and head.

They also allege he stole some of the woman’s property before leaving.

The woman was taken to hospital, where she died from her injuries on November 28, 2023.

Brett Anthony Crawford, 35, was arrested and charged at the time with aggravated break and enter, inflicting actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse, and aggravated sexual assault after breaking and entering.

“It is horrendous that someone, any person in the safety of their home, would be attacked like this, but to attack a very defenceless old lady is beyond belief,” Sex Crimes Squad commander Jayne Doherty said.

Police confirmed on Friday that Crawford’s charges have been upgraded to include murder and aggravated sexual assault.

He is next due to appear before Gosford Local Court on February 21.