Elderly woman, 90, dies after alleged sexual assaulted at aged care facility

An elderly woman has died after she was allegedly sexually assaulted at an aged care facility.

The woman, 90, was allegedly attacked at 12.40am on November 15 after a man, 34, broke into the Bateau Bay facility on the NSW Central Coast.

The man is alleged to have fled the scene after the attack unfolded.

The woman is believed to have alerted staff before she was taken to hospital suffering serious injuries.

On Tuesday, police said the woman had died in hospital.

Brett Anthony Crawford, alleged aggravated sexual assault. Photo: NSW Police / Supplied Credit: Supplied

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A 34-year-old man attempted to flee from police when approached about the sexual assault. Picture NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard. Credit: News Corp Australia

A post-mortem examination, yet to be completed, will be required to formally establish the woman’s cause of death.

Brett Anthony Crawford, also known as Brett Ralph, was arrested at a home two days after the alleged attack.

He was initially charged with aggravated break and enter, inflicting actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse, aggravated sexual assault (break and enter) and aggravated sexual assault (inflict actual bodily harm on victim).

He is expected in court in February.

Sex crimes squad commander Jayne Doherty told reporters of the allegations.

“To attack a very defenceless old lady is beyond belief.

“So far we haven’t been able to find any connection between this male, the aged-care facility and the woman prior to the offence.

“As you can understand, being elderly, her skin has torn significantly where pressure was applied.”