A man, 34, who broke into a residential aged care facility at Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast where he allegedly assaulted and sexually assaulted a 90-year-old woman on 15 November, 2023, has had his charges upgraded to include murder and manslaughter following her death.
Brett Anthony Crawford, from Caves Beach, 30km south of Newcastle, remains in custody after the alleged attack. The female victim was treated for serious injuries, but died in hospital two weeks after the alleged attack.
Crawford was originally charged with four offences, including aggravated break and enter and committing an indictable offence, inflicting actual bodily harm with the intent to have sexual intercourse, and aggravated sexual assault after breaking and entering.
Additional charges were laid including murder and manslaughter last Friday (13 December 2024).
The defense requested an adjournment in proceedings to allow time to prepare for the more serious charges. The matter will return to Gosford Local Court on 21 February 2025, when the man will be required to appear, via audio visual link from custody.
