Adam Ledgerwood: Disability support carer to be sentenced for having sex with client

A sentence hearing for a Central Coast disability support carer that had sex with his client on three occasions has started.

UPDATED: A disability support carer who had sex with his client on a number of occasions told her she could be his “f**k buddy.

Adam Ledgerwood, of Halekulani, is set to be sentenced over his inappropriate behaviour while he was employed by an in-home disability support services.

The sentence hearing for Mr Ledgerwood was part heard at Gosford District Court on Thursday before Judge Justin Smith SC.

Ledgerwood appeared in person while the victim appeared via audio visual link.

The courtroom was closed to the public and media while a victim impact statement was read on behalf of the victim.

The sentence was adjourned to Sydney Downing Centre on July 21.

PREVIOUSLY:

On April 23, 2021

Mr Ledgerwood was excused for a brief mention in Gosford District Court on Thursday, where the court heard CCTV footage would be played during his sentence hearing in July.

Mr Ledgerwood, 42, pleaded guilty to three counts of having sex with a person with a cognitive impairment who was under his care.

Adam Ledgerwood arriving at Gosford Local Court. Picture: Sue Graham

An agreed set of court facts state that the client suffered a cognitive impairment which had deteriorated in 2018 to the point where she was deemed “totally disabled” and needed help with daily living.

Mr Ledgerwood was hired to take her shopping and to medical appointments, help prepare meals and do household chores three days a week for four hour shifts. Prior to the victim’s health lapse, Mr Ledgerwood had helped her one day a week.

“The complainant and the offender had a friendly relationship and would often joke around together,” the facts read.

In April 2019, Mr Ledgerwood was working at the victim’s home when she complained of a sore back. The facts stated he gave her a massage and then “placed his hand on the complainant’s [genitalia] on top of her clothing”.

Mr Ledgerwood and the victim texted each other.

She said, “What are you doing? This is going to ruin everything … you have got a wife and two little kids”.

He replied, “so long as you keep it between us. Come on, let’s go into the bedroom”.

“The complainant did not say yes or no,” the facts stated.

They went to the bedroom where Mr Ledgerwood removed the victim’s pants, took off his clothes and performed cunnilingus on her.

The next time Mr Ledgerwood was at her house, she said “this can never, ever happen again”. He replied that they can be friends or she could be his “f**k” buddy.

In May when Mr Ledgerwood attended the victim's home to work, he kissed her on the lips and they had a cup of tea before he took her to the bedroom and performed cunnilingus.

The next day they texted each other with the victim saying, “I desperately need to do the Skillion on Friday, I have put on another 3kg”. Mr Ledgerwood replied, “I will help you work it off, sweat it out of you”.

Mr Ledgerwood said the victim could be his “f**k buddy”. Picture: Sue Graham

The victim replied “lol … I like the sound of that, what on the skillion or elsewhere” to which he replied “Your choice. I work for you remember”.

On another occasion while he was working, Mr Ledgerwood again took the victim to the bedroom however this time had sexual intercourse with her. She experienced pain the next day due to his penis piercing and texted Mr Ledgerwood who apologised and said “I think it might have been the ring”.

A week later, the victim confided in a different support worker who told her to report it to police.

Mr Ledgerwood will be sentenced in July. Picture: Sue Graham

She told Mr Ledgerwood she no longer needed his services. He apologised to her and said “I am sorry that I was unable to say no. I hope you understand that I was not trying to take advantage of you in any way whatsoever”.

“I hope that there is enough forgiveness in your heart and your mum’s to not let this situation get leaked to the wrong people”.

Mr Ledgerwood was arrested on June 12 telling police that his relationship with the victim was “not sexual” and that the victim insinuated she wanted to have sex with him.