GOLD COAST, Australia — A former mental health nurse accused of exploiting vulnerable teenage patients and engaging in predatory behaviour has been denied bail, with a magistrate describing the allegations as “deeply disturbing.”
Derek George Jackson, 58, appeared via video link in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday, where he faced 12 charges allegedly committed over nearly four years on the Gold Coast.
Prosecutors allege Jackson used his position of trust to target six teenage girls receiving mental health treatment, many through the Child and Youth Mental Health Service. The alleged victims were described as highly vulnerable, suffering from complex mental health conditions, including suicidal ideation, self-harm and acute mental health crises.
According to the prosecution, Jackson allegedly spent extended periods in patients’ rooms without any clinical reason, sat on their beds, scrolled through his phone and asked intrusive questions about their sex lives. Prosecutors further alleged he had a sexual interest in the girls’ feet, citing cellphone data, internet searches and messages recovered during the investigation.
One teenager reportedly described Jackson’s behaviour as “disgusting, weird and creepy,” while another referred to him as a paedophile, the court heard.
Police also allege Jackson possessed and created child exploitation material. Among the alleged victims were a teenager whose suicide later prompted a landmark review of Queensland’s youth mental health care system and another teen who subsequently died in a motor vehicle crash.
The court heard Jackson was intercepted by detectives at Brisbane Airport while preparing to board a flight to Asia. Investigators allegedly discovered he held two valid Australian passports at the time.
Jackson’s lawyers indicated he intends to contest the charges. He has not entered a plea.
Magistrate Nerida Wilson refused bail, ruling there was an unacceptable risk Jackson would fail to appear in court or commit further offences if released.
Jackson remains in custody and is scheduled to reappear by video link on July 14. He faces charges including sexual assault, abuse of office, stalking, indecent treatment of a child, and possessing and creating child exploitation material.
