Heavily-guarded inmate caught having sex with mental health patient

A MAN facing multiple assault charges, including aggravated assault and sexual assault, was caught having sex with a patient in Royal Darwin Hospital’s secure mental health facility

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A MAN facing multiple assault charges, including aggravated assault and sexual assault, was caught having sex with a patient in Royal Darwin Hospital’s secure mental health facility.

The prisoner, who is on remand in the Joan Ridley Unit at Royal Darwin Hospital, was discovered by a nurse in the facility engaging in sexual acts with a female patient in her 20s.

Police were not called at the time of the incident and the NT News understands a police complaint has not been made since. When prisoners are deemed medically unfit for prison and admitted to the unit the Department of Health is responsible for their clinical care and the NT Department of Correctional Services is charged with ensuring not only the prisoner’s safety but the safety of patients and staff.

Department of Correctional Services spokesman David Harris said the Professional Standards Unit of the NT Department of Correctional Services was investigating the incident.

“There has been no complaint or allegation of an offence having been committed by any person in this matter and no further comment will be made pending the outcome of that investigation,” he said.

While no complaint has been made, a source inside the Department of Correctional Services questioned wether consent was an issue.

“This prisoner is facing serious charges, including for sexual assault, and the young woman is locked in (a secure mental health facility) where she is supposed to be safe,” the source said. “You have to wonder whether she was even capable of consent ... this isn’t a justice system.”

The NT News understands up to four prison officers were on duty at the facility at the time of the incident and none have been stood down pending the investigation. The Department of Health said it was awaiting the outcome of the Corrections information.