A Royal Darwin Hospital patient was allegedly sexually assaulted by a contract worker posing as clinical staff, the Darwin Local Court has heard.
Key Points:
- The accused allegedly told the woman that he was a masseuse
- He also allegedly “lured” the woman into giving him her phone number
- He was refused bail and is due back in court on November 23
The accused, aged in his 30s, whose name has been suppressed, faces five charges, including sexual intercourse without consent and aggravated indecent assault.
The court heard he entered the 31-year-old patient’s cubicle earlier this month on September 7 under the pretense of being a massage therapist at the hospital, before sexually assaulting her.
The court heard the man had allegedly admitted to having sexual activity with the patient, but allegedly claimed it was consensual.
He then allegedly made a series of phone calls and text messages to the woman, who then blocked the man’s number and reported the incident to police.
The court heard that the accused had “lured” the 31-year-old into providing her phone number after the alleged assault.
The accused had been on duty at the time and was unknown to the alleged victim.
He was arrested just over a week later.
The patient was allegedly sexually assaulted by a contract worker who pretended to be a member of the clinical staff. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
Before denying bail on Monday, Judge Therese Austin said the defendant would face prison despite having no criminal record, with some charges carrying a maximum life sentence.
He said the crown’s case against the accused was “strong”.
In brief remarks, prosecution lawyers said they would rely on victim statements, videos obtained by the victim, phone records and hospital records.
The matter will next be heard in Darwin Local Court on November 23.