Elderly woman who was allegedly raped at her Central Coast aged care home by a complete stranger DIES in hospital

An elderly woman who was allegedly raped and physically assaulted by a complete stranger in her aged care home has died in hospital. 

The 90-year-old woman suffered 'extensive injuries' to her arms and legs after a man allegedly broke into her room at an aged care facility in Bateau Bay, on the NSW Central Coast, about 12.40am last Wednesday.

She was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and died on Tuesday morning, almost a week after the alleged attack. 

Brett Anthony Crawford, 34, who is also known as Brett Ralph, has been charged after allegedly sexually and physically assaulting a 90-year-old woman. 

Police will allege he used bedding to silence the woman's 'cries for help' and pinned her to the bed with such force he 'tore the skin' on her arms.

He then allegedly sexually assaulted her before stealing some of her belongings and fleeing the scene.

The woman managed to alert staff and was rushed to hospital in a serious condition.

The State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad promptly set up Strike Force Easterbrook to investigate the incident.

Two days later, detectives raided a property at The Entrance about 9.20pm and found electronics, SIM cards and clothing.

Following further inquiries, detectives attended a Caves Beach home about 7.30pm on November 20, where Crawford was arrested while allegedly attempting to flee. 

Police will allege Crawford ran out of the back door then jumped a fence to evade officers, sustaining minor injuries to his arm in the process.

He was taken to hospital for treatment.

On his release, he was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with several offences.

They include aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-use violence, inflict actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse with victim, aggravated sexual assault – break and enter with intent, and aggravated sexual assault – inflict actual bodily harm on victim.

He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court. Police will allege Crawford was already on bail for several serious offences at the time. 

Sex Crimes Squad commander Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said the woman was 'very traumatised' by the alleged incident and is in the care of family. 

'It is horrendous that any person in the safety of their home would [allegedly] be attacked like this, but to [allegedly] attack a defensive old lady is beyond belief,' she told reporters at a press conference last week. 

Supt Doherty said the alleged attack appeared to be random and the aged care facility has since beefed up its security measures. 

The woman's family have requested privacy as they grieve.  

A report will be prepared for a Coroner with the investigation to continue.