US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Court Hears Testimony in Case of Alleged Sexual Assault of 76-Year-Old Aged Care Resident
Hayden Skinner denies aggravated sexual assault charges despite DNA evidence; trial in Coffs Harbour will last 10 days with multiple witnesses expected.
- On Monday, Hayden Carl Skinner, 31, admitted breaking into the 76-year-old resident's room but pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault at Coffs Harbour District Court.
- Defence counsel argued Skinner sought valuables to repay debts, Pearsall said, `He was a drug user, he had a drug debt and he was under pressure to satisfy that debt`, Pearsall told Judge Michael McHugh.
- Prosecutors say forensic testing tied Skinner to the scene, linking his DNA to the victim's underwear, body, and bedroom wall, while medical evidence showed bruising and an abrasion consistent with forced legs apart.
- Police arrested Skinner on January 4, 2024, after finding his palm prints; the complainant was taken to hospital and has since died of unrelated causes, Judge McHugh heard.
- The 10-day trial will call aged care staff, residents, a forensic expert, and evidence from police body-worn camera footage, which showed Skinner appeared impaired on New Year's Eve, while CCTV did not trigger.
Insights by Ground AI
8 Articles
8 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Left
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources lean Left
72% Left
L 72%
14%
14%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
