A former Gold Coast Health nurse has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on a series of serious allegations involving six teenage girls who were receiving treatment through Queensland's Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS).
The 58-year-old man, Derek George Jackson, appeared before Southport Magistrates Court facing 12 charges linked to alleged incidents that police claim occurred between late 2020 and mid-2024. The charges include stalking, sexual assault, indecent treatment of a child, abuse of office, and offences related to child exploitation material.
Police allege the accused used his position within a youth mental health unit to gain inappropriate access to vulnerable patients. Prosecutors told the court that several complaints had been made by families of young patients as well as staff members who raised concerns about his interactions with children receiving treatment.
According to court proceedings, investigators claim the nurse frequently entered patients' rooms and engaged in behaviour that crossed professional boundaries. Allegations include inappropriate physical contact with some of the teenagers while they were receiving inpatient mental health care.
The court heard that many of the alleged victims were among the most vulnerable young people in the healthcare system, with some experiencing severe mental health crises, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Prosecutors argued that the children were in a position where they could not easily avoid contact with a staff member responsible for their care.
Police also alleged that digital evidence recovered during the investigation revealed internet searches connected to some of the complainants and their families. Investigators are continuing to examine electronic devices as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Jackson was arrested at Brisbane Airport while preparing to travel overseas. During the bail hearing, the court was told he intended to leave Australia temporarily for medical treatment but had not secured a return flight. Prosecutors argued this increased concerns about potential flight risk.
Magistrate Nerida Wilson refused bail, describing the allegations as extremely serious. The court found there were concerns regarding both community safety and the possibility that the accused could attempt to leave the jurisdiction before the matter is resolved.
One of the alleged victims identified during proceedings was teenager Giaan Ramsay, whose death in 2025 prompted broader scrutiny of mental health services and patient safety. Police allege some of the offending against her occurred while she was receiving treatment through the mental health system.
Gold Coast Health confirmed it acted immediately after concerns were raised, removing the employee from the workplace and notifying police. The health service stated that patient welfare remains its highest priority and that it continues to cooperate fully with investigators.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls described the allegations as deeply disturbing and emphasized that the safety of patients and healthcare workers remains paramount.
The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court next month. Detectives say investigations are continuing and have encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact police.
