A nursing home owner who was found guilty of abusing a vulnerable elderly woman in his care has admitted he “disgusted” his victims and said he had “done everything in my power” to stop it.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found by a judge in Briarwoods nursing home in November 2017, aged 79, with a fractured skull and other injuries.
In sentencing her, Judge David O’Shea said the “abhorrent” behaviour of the property owner, who was not a registered nursing home manager, amounted to “the worst and most disgusting abuse” he had ever seen.
Judge O’Sullivan said the woman had been in care for more than 10 years and had suffered a range of physical and psychological injuries.
“I have no doubt that this will be a deeply painful and humiliating trial for you,” he said.
“You have made yourself available as a witness and I have no doubts you will provide the information which I ask of you today.”
Judge O’theas said the victims suffered “an extensive and profound trauma”.
He also said they suffered emotional distress, with some of the victims having nightmares.
The man, who had no previous convictions, told the court that the woman, also known as Jane Doe, was a frail and frail-looking woman who lived in a nursing home for the mentally ill.
“She had a lot of problems,” he told the judge.
“The way she was treated by you was just disgusting.”
He said he was sorry for the woman’s “mental and physical” suffering and that his behaviour was “disgraceful”.
He said his behaviour and actions had resulted in her death.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for me and my family,” he added.
Judge said he would impose a three-year term, and that he would not consider a conditional discharge.
The trial continues.
