Care worker guilty of performing sex act with elderly man with dementia
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Content Warning: This article mentions distressing topics, such as sexual abuse, which may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised.
The safety and dignity of our elderly loved ones are paramount, especially when they are placed in the care of aged care facilities that we trust to provide the utmost care and respect.
However, a recent incident in Perth has shaken this trust to its core, revealing a harrowing breach of duty that has left many in our community outraged and deeply concerned.
James Ng'Ang'A Irungu, an aged care worker in Perth, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of indecently dealing with an incapable person.
The court heard how Irungu forced an elderly man at the home to perform a sex act, a despicable act of abuse against a vulnerable individual who was unable to defend himself.
The WA District Court heard that the victim, who had dementia and Parkinson's Disease, was unable to control the shaking in his arms and hands.
Irungu placed the man’s hand on his genitals, even inside his trousers, and then moved them back when the victim tried to pull away.
The incidents were captured on CCTV and reported by the victim's daughter.
Irungu, a student from Kenya who arrived in 2023, expressed a ‘deep feeling of shame’. According to his lawyer Tony Hager, Irungu had ‘repressed his sexuality’ and struggled with financial stress since arriving in Australia.
Judge Alan Sefton, who presided over the case, emphasised that Irungu's actions had the ‘real potential’ to undermine trust in staff at the care facility, where vulnerable individuals require significant care and protection from such misconduct.
‘You selfishly betrayed that trust,’ he told Irungu. ‘You were in a position of care.’
The judge stressed the need for both personal and general deterrence, imposing sentences totalling 24 months, with eligibility for parole, his visa ‘likely to be cancelled’ and to be deported.
The court was also informed that the 83-year-old victim had recently passed away, and no victim impact statement was submitted.
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The safety and dignity of our elderly loved ones are paramount, especially when they are placed in the care of aged care facilities that we trust to provide the utmost care and respect.
However, a recent incident in Perth has shaken this trust to its core, revealing a harrowing breach of duty that has left many in our community outraged and deeply concerned.
James Ng'Ang'A Irungu, an aged care worker in Perth, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of indecently dealing with an incapable person.
The court heard how Irungu forced an elderly man at the home to perform a sex act, a despicable act of abuse against a vulnerable individual who was unable to defend himself.
James Ng'Ang'A Irungu was guilty of three counts of indecently dealing with an incapable person. Credit: Freepik
The WA District Court heard that the victim, who had dementia and Parkinson's Disease, was unable to control the shaking in his arms and hands.
Irungu placed the man’s hand on his genitals, even inside his trousers, and then moved them back when the victim tried to pull away.
The incidents were captured on CCTV and reported by the victim's daughter.
Irungu, a student from Kenya who arrived in 2023, expressed a ‘deep feeling of shame’. According to his lawyer Tony Hager, Irungu had ‘repressed his sexuality’ and struggled with financial stress since arriving in Australia.
Judge Alan Sefton, who presided over the case, emphasised that Irungu's actions had the ‘real potential’ to undermine trust in staff at the care facility, where vulnerable individuals require significant care and protection from such misconduct.
‘You selfishly betrayed that trust,’ he told Irungu. ‘You were in a position of care.’
The judge stressed the need for both personal and general deterrence, imposing sentences totalling 24 months, with eligibility for parole, his visa ‘likely to be cancelled’ and to be deported.
The court was also informed that the 83-year-old victim had recently passed away, and no victim impact statement was submitted.
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