Rest home worker jailed for assaults

File photo / NZ Herald

A former Blenheim rest home worker was today jailed for two years and four months for indecently assaulting elderly residents.

David Eric Neal, 55, pleaded guilty to six charges of indecent assault on five elderly female rest home residents at Redwoodtown Rest Home for 12 months from February 2009, Radio New Zealand reported.

He assaulted the women, aged between 57 and 96 and all with physical or mental illness, usually when he was helping to wash or dry them.

Judge Bruce Davidson said Neal exploited the vulnerability of elderly women.

- NZPA