Gold Coast nurse refused bail over allegations he targeted vulnerable teenage patients
Gold Coast, Queensland: A Gold Coast mental health nurse has been kept behind bars after police accused him of using a hospital role to stalk and abuse six teenage girls who were already in serious trouble.
Derek George Jackson, 58, appeared by video link in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday after being charged with 12 offences, including stalking, sexual assault, abuse of office, indecent treatment of a child, and possessing and making child exploitation material.
The allegations sit in the ugliest corner of public trust: children in care, mental health wards, closed rooms, and a staff member police say had no clinical reason to be where he was. The court was told the girls were patients linked to the Child and Youth Mental Health Service, many dealing with acute crises, suicidal thoughts and serious self-harm.
Prosecutor Jacinta Raven told the court the alleged conduct was not a slip or a momentary lapse, but a pattern directed at highly vulnerable children. Jackson was accused of lingering in girls’ rooms, sitting on beds or nearby chairs, scrolling his phone and asking intrusive questions about their private lives.
The court also heard police allege material on Jackson’s phone, including downloads, searches and messages, pointed to a sexual interest in the girls’ feet. Police further allege child exploitation material was found in his possession and that he created such material.
Magistrate Nerida Wilson refused bail, saying the matter was deeply troubling and finding there was an unacceptable risk Jackson could fail to appear or commit further offences if released. He was remanded in custody and is due to return to court by video link on July 14.
Police say Jackson was stopped by detectives at Brisbane International Airport as he was preparing to leave Australia. The court heard he had two current Australian passports and told investigators he was travelling overseas for dental work. His lawyers said he would contest the charges. No pleas were entered.
The case has landed hard because it reaches beyond one accused man. If the allegations are proven, the alleged offending happened inside a system parents and patients were supposed to trust when young people were at their lowest. Gold Coast Health has said it is aware of the allegations, removed the worker from the workplace, and is cooperating with police.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Support is available. In Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
