A nurse who allegedly used his trusted position in a hospital to sexually assault and stalk vulnerable teenage patients has been refused bail after police arrested him at an international airport.
Police allege father-of-three Derek George Jackson, 58, preyed on six vulnerable young girls receiving treatment for eating disorders through a child and youth mental health service at a Gold Coast hospital between November 2020 and September 2025.
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Jackson has been charged with 12 offences, including sexual assault, abuse of office, stalking, indecent treatment of a child, and possessing and making child exploitation material.
He appeared in Southport Magistrates Court by video link on Monday, closing his eyes as prosecutors detailed a lengthy list of allegations against him, including claims he targeted vulnerable teenage patients and had a sexual interest in their feet.
“The court is deeply troubled by the offences before the court,” magistrate Nerida Wilson said.
Prosecutor Jacinta Raven alleges Jackson’s conduct formed a sustained pattern rather than a “momentary lapse”.
Raven alleged Jackson favoured “young slender girls” and spent time in patients’ rooms without any clinical reason to be there, describing the behaviour as “loitering in the children’s rooms”.
Prosecutors alleged Jackson held a sexual interest in the girls’ feet, with phone downloads, internet searches and messages allegedly supporting claims of a foot fetish.
Police also allege child exploitation material was found in his possession and that he created such material.
One alleged victim described his behaviour as “disgusting, weird and creepy”, while the court heard another girl’s suicide later sparked a landmark review of Queensland’s youth mental health system.
A second alleged victim has since died in a traffic crash.
Jackson was arrested at Brisbane International Airport on Sunday while allegedly attempting to board a flight to China with a one-way-ticket, telling detectives he was travelling overseas for dental work.
Prosecutors also pointed to Jackson’s possession of two current Australian passports as they opposed bail.
Magistrate Nerida Wilson refused his application, remanding him in custody until his next court appearance on July 14.
The magistrate said she was satisfied there was an “unacceptable risk” Jackson would both fail to appear and commit further offences if released.
His lawyers told the court he would contest the charges and did not enter pleas.
— with AAP
