An assistant nurse has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting an elderly patient at a care facility in Maclean.

In June 2026, detectives attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District commenced investigations following a report an assistant nurse had allegedly sexually assaulted 79-year-old patient between November 2023 and February 2024.

Following extensive inquiries, about 9am on Monday, July 13, a 27-year-old man was arrested at Grafton Police Station.

He was charged with aggravated sex assault-victim with cognitive impairment, aggravated – sexually touch another person and aggravated – carry out sexual act with another.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 the same day, where he was formally refused bail to reappear before Grafton Local Court on Monday, September 7, 2026.