Disability Support Worker Charged With Aggravated Sexual Touching in NSW
Scott Bone appeared in Kempsey Local Court accused of sexually touching two women in his care at a Macleay Valley supported independent living home.
Quick Look
- A disability support worker, Scott Bone, appeared in Kempsey Local Court charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching involving two women with cognitive impairments in the Macleay Valley.
- Bail was continued with strict conditions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Scott Bone was charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching over alleged incidents at a supported independent living home in the Macleay Valley.
A disability support worker has appeared before court accused of sexually touching two women in his care in northern New South Wales.
Scott Bone was charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching over the alleged incidents at a supported independent living home in the Macleay Valley, where he was employed as a support worker.
Court documents reveal the 56-year-old is accused of sexually touching a woman at the home on the evening of July 7, while knowing she had a cognitive impairment and was not consenting.
It is also alleged he sexually touched a second woman with a cognitive impairment who lived at the same address, knowing she had a disability and had not consented between the evening of April 1 and July 7.
Mr Bone was arrested at a home in East Kempsey on July 27 and granted bail at Kempsey Police Station.
In Kempsey Local Court today, Judge Juliana Crofts noted his criminal history and the seriousness of the charges.
She ruled that bail would continue, with Mr Bone to report to Kempsey Police Station once a week.
He is also banned from approaching, threatening, stalking or intimidating a number of people involved in the matter.
Reported to NDIS regulator
In a statement, disability services provider WEmpower CEO Rashid Mahbub confirmed Mr Bone was "no longer employed" by the company.
"WEmpower will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities as required and to maintain appropriate safeguards for the people receiving our supports," the statement said.
The matter has also been reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
In a statement, a spokesperson said "the safety and wellbeing of people with disability is our highest priority".
"We are treating these matters very seriously."
Mr Bone and his lawyer declined to comment on the allegations while leaving court.
He will next appear in court on September 23
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Scott Bone will appear in court on September 23.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will additional charges be laid?
- What further measures are being taken by the NDIS commission?