Gold Coast nurse refused bail after child sex offence charges
A Gold Coast nurse has been refused bail after being charged with a series of alleged offences involving six teenage girls, with police and health authorities confirming the matter is now before the courts.
Derek George Jackson, 58, from Robina, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday by watchhouse video link. He has been charged with 12 offences that police allege occurred over a period spanning from November 2020 to May 2024.
The allegations are serious and remain untested in court. Mr Jackson is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty. Queensland Police say detectives from the Gold Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit are continuing their investigation and have asked anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Police allege offences linked to nursing role
Police allege Mr Jackson used his position as a nurse to offend against six teenage girls. The charges include six counts of stalking, two counts of indecent treatment of a child, and one count each of sexual assault, abuse of office, possessing child exploitation material and creating child exploitation material.
According to details aired in court and reported by ABC News, Mr Jackson had been suspended from his employment with Gold Coast Health since September 2025, when police began investigating the alleged offending. Gold Coast Health said it had acted after becoming aware of concerns involving a staff member and had contacted Queensland Police.
In a statement, the health service said staff and patient safety were of the highest importance and that it was continuing to cooperate with police as the matter progresses. It declined to comment further while proceedings are before the courts.
Airport arrest and bail decision
The court heard Mr Jackson was arrested on Saturday night in the international departures lounge at Brisbane Airport. Magistrate Nerida Wilson was told he had said he was travelling to Asia for dental work and intended to return to Australia in July, although he did not have a booked return flight.
After considering the bail application, the magistrate refused bail. Mr Jackson was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court next month.
The case has drawn attention because of the combination of alleged offending against minors and the claim that a position of professional trust was used in the course of the conduct. Allegations involving health workers and vulnerable young people raise particular concern because families and patients rely on clinical settings to be safe, supervised and accountable.
Investigation continues
Queensland Police have not suggested the investigation is complete. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information that may assist inquiries to contact police or Crime Stoppers. Information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
The case will now proceed through the Queensland court system, where prosecutors will be required to present evidence in support of the charges. Until then, police statements and court summaries remain allegations only.
Support is available for people affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call triple-zero.
