Overview
- Hayden Carl Skinner, 31, pleaded not guilty as the trial began, admitting he entered the 76-year-old resident’s room but denying sexual contact and asserting a theft motive tied to a drug debt.
- Prosecutors outlined forensic findings including Skinner’s DNA on the woman’s clothing, on her body and on a bedroom surface, alongside medical observations of injuries said to be consistent with force.
- The complainant has died of causes described in court as unrelated, with her statements to a nurse, a paramedic and family tendered in redacted form due to the lack of cross-examination.
- Testimony indicated the facility’s motion-activated CCTV did not capture the incident, while police body-worn video showed officers interacting with Skinner on New Year’s Eve and locating drug paraphernalia.
- Proceedings before Judge Michael McHugh in Coffs Harbour District Court are slated to run roughly eight to ten days, with Skinner having been arrested on January 4, 2024 and held on remand since.