Ex-LGH nurse sentenced for indecent assault 36 years later

A 66-year-old former nurse has been sentenced for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in his care, with the victim facing his abuser in the courtroom.

A 66-year-old former LGH nurse (right) leaves Launceston court after being sentenced over an indecent assault charge from 1989. Picture: Alison Foletta

A 66-year-old former nurse has been sentenced for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in his care.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given his sentence in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday by Magistrate Ken Stanton.

The indecent assault occurred more than 30 years ago in the 80s when the man worked at Launceston General Hospital.

The man had touched a 12-year-old boy’s genitalia, the young boy was in his care.

The man was in court with his family. The victim, who cannot be named, was also in court.

Mr Stanton sentenced the man to five months imprisonment which was wholly suspended.

During his sentencing, Mr Santon said the man had befriended the family and was in a “position of trust”.

His offence had had a “profound effect on the victim.”

Mr Stanton said it was a “significant breach of trust”.

The man had pleaded not guilty, but had been found guilty of the charge.

Mr Stanton said there were “mitigating factors”, such as the man’s character.

He said there had only been one instance of conduct with a sexual interest the man acted on.

The character witnesses showed the opinion the man was “a person of otherwise good character” at the time.

While the victim’s brother was nearby, the Magistrate said he was not present in a way he was affected.

Mr Stanton also found the man had not acted in other situations he had been in where he might have offended.

Mr Stanton said the man had not threatened or contributed to the delay in the victim coming forward other than the nature of the crime making the victim “reluctant”.

“The delay is not attributable to you,” Mr Stanton said.

He said the man had faced stress due to the proceedings and was also a carer for his former son-in-law and supported his wife.

Mr Stanton said it was “fanciful” the man would re-offend.

“The conduct was restricted to this occasion,” he said.

The victim was stoic during the sentencing but disappointed.

He had sat metres from the man during the sentence, supported by his partner.

Leaving the courthouse, the former nurse’s wife told the media to “stop harassing him”.

Originally published as Ex-LGH nurse sentenced for indecent assault 36 years later