Man charged with murder after alleged 90yo rape victim dies from injuries

The case that traumatised the Central Coast region of NSW last year has taken another turn after the alleged victim died from her injuries.

A man alleged to have broken into an aged care home and raped a resident in her room has had murder added to his charge sheet after the woman failed to recover from her injuries.

Police allege Brett Anthony Crawford, 35, from Caves Beach, broke into an aged care facility in Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast about midnight on November 15, 2023 before forcing himself on a woman in her 90s who was asleep in her room.

Brett Anthony Crawford is now facing the additional charge of murder and a second charge of aggravated sexual assault. picture: Facebook/NSW Police

At the time of the incident, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said: “Police will allege the male entered the facility and then went to the room of a 90-year-old female. Once in that room he (allegedly) used bedding to silence the female’s cries for help while he pinned her to the bed, causing injuries to her arms, legs and head.

“He then (allegedly) sexually assaulted the 90-year-old female before stealing items of her property and leaving.”

Mr Crawford was then arrested by police in his Caves Beach home following a manhunt that lasted days.

Police swarmed the house and allege he unsuccessfully attempted to escape through his backdoor when officers tried to arrest him.

The woman was treated in hospital for traumatic injuries before dying almost two weeks later.

Originally charged with aggravated break and enter, inflicting actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse, and aggravated sexual assault after breaking and entering, Mr Crawford is now facing the additional charge of murder and a second charge of aggravated sexual assault.

The matter is expected to be heard at Gosford Local Court on February 21.

The matter is expected to be heard at the Gosford Local Court on February 21.