Child protection worker allegedly sexually abused teenager in care
A child protection worker allegedly sexually abused a teenage boy with a mild intellectual disability while she was meant to be caring for him, and showered him with cash and gifts including pets and a PlayStation, a court has heard.
An Adelaide woman, Hannah Joyce Neale, 31, is on trial for allegedly sexually abusing a teenage boy in her care. According to prosecutors, Neale, who worked at a supported accommodation facility, allegedly engaged in a sexual and romantic relationship with the then-16-year-old boy for nearly two years, even after he turned 17. The trial heard that Neale would often work long shifts, sometimes up to 12 per fortnight, and frequently disappeared with the teenager during his shifts, sometimes driving long distances together.
The alleged abuse reportedly began with an incident in a car and continued in various locations, including Neale's home, other houses, motels, and even at Adelaide Airport during her work breaks. The prosecutor stated that Neale frequently gave the teenager cash, gifts, and financial support, including a PlayStation and a gaming computer.
The relationship allegedly came to an end when the teenager was arrested for violence against Neale.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
