Alex Weinheimer: Sydney Sexual Health Centre nurse rejects allegations
A nurse accused of touching and trying to perform oral sex on a patient has taken the stand, saying the allegations have been fabricated. But he admitted to taking a piece of paper with his number and later calling the patient.
Central Sydney
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A Sydney nurse treasures his job and would never have inappropriately touched a sex worker during an examination but admits he called the client weeks later to “buy drugs”, a court has heard.
Alex Weinheimer claimed he was “completely taken aback” by the allegations of the patient and maintains that he acted professionally in the appointment on January 29, 2019.
Weinheimer, 56, is fighting the charge of sexual touching without consent at a special fixture before Central Local Court, arguing that he would not cheat on his beloved husband.
On Monday the alleged victim gave evidence that Weinheimer had remarked on his “big” penis, tried to perform oral sex on him and asked if they could meet up for sex.
But on Tuesday the nurse said the appointment at the Sydney Sexual Health Centre was like any other consultation with a patient who had a genital infection.
“I completely deny, I haven’t done that,” he said. “I’m a lot of things but I was at work, I was professional.
“It took me 18 months to get my registration, I treasured it, why would I jeopardise something in a workplace. It didn’t happen.”
The court heard on Monday a recording of a phone conversation between the 56-year-old and the alleged victim on March 9, revealing he asked to “catch up” with the patient adding that he would “pay”.
In his evidence the alleged victim, who worked as a male escort, said Weinheimer asked if they could meet for sex at the end of the appointment.
But the accused said the two had exchanged numbers on a scrap of paper after the patient told him he could get access to “high-quality” cocaine – which he called “the good stuff” – a line arising from a standard medical question about whether he took illegal drugs.
“I kind of smiled and he realised that I was interested,” Weinheimer said.
“Because my partner and I are taking, from time to time, recreational drugs … normally around twice per year, usually for celebrations.”
Monday’s allegations also included that Weinheimer asked the patient if he “liked to play with nipples” and asked him to remove his pants a second time for second physical examination.
Weinheimer claimed he had never cheated on husband or sought out a sex worker.
“I love my husband very much. He’s everything for me, we have a really, really good relationship,” he said. “The grass is not greener on the other side.”
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Earlier Weinheimer’s partner of 17 years Brendan Lakin said the two had a “beautiful relationship”.
“Our life is very happy and peaceful,” he said. “We never argue … we tell each other that we love each other every day.”
The respected artist was one of five character witnesses who gave evidence before the court on Tuesday, where the accused was described as “loyal”, “professional”, “caring” and “popular” among colleagues and patients.
The special fixture continues.