{
  "id": 5267572,
  "title": "Support worker accused of sexually assaulting two women in his care",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/support-worker-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-two-women-in-his-care",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T06:48:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-03/disability-support-worker-accused-sexual-assault/107105894"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A disability support worker in northern New South Wales has been charged with sexually touching two women in his care at a supported independent living home. Scott Bone, 56, has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching, according to court documents. The allegations involve two incidents at the Macleay Valley home, where Bone was employed as a support worker. One woman, who had a cognitive impairment, was allegedly sexually touched on the evening of July 7, while knowingly consenting was not obtained. A second woman, with a cognitive impairment, was also accused of being sexually touched between April 1 and July 7, under similar circumstances. Bone was arrested on July 27 and released on bail, with conditions including weekly check-ins with police and a ban on approaching the alleged victims or intimidating them. Disability services provider WEmpower, which employed Bone, confirmed he is no longer with the company and stated they are cooperating with authorities and prioritizing safety. The matter has also been reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.",
  "summary": "A Macleay Valley disability support worker accused of sexually touching two women in his care at a supported independent living home has faced court.",
  "key_points": [
    "Scott Bone, 56, charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching",
    "Allegations involve two women with cognitive impairments at Macleay Valley home",
    "Bone arrested on July 27, banned from approaching victims"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The charges against Scott Bone highlight concerns about the vulnerability of people with cognitive impairments in supported living environments and the responsibility of care providers to ensure their safety.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}