![The Supreme Court in Launceston. Picture file. The Supreme Court in Launceston. Picture file.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/210585955/95bd30b0-74c0-45cd-b98c-0085902df88d.jpg/r0_103_2015_1240_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
A Launceston grandfather who forced his penis into the mouth of his then carer will not die in jail.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Keith Charles Williams, 79, was found guilty of rape and three counts of indecent assault by a jury.
In the Launceston Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Gregory Geason said Williams only had months to live and his medical needs could not be met in prison.
Williams is currently a resident at an aged care home, has dementia, chronic liver disease and is on 23 medications each day.
"Your life expectancy is months, not years," Justice Geason told Williams.
The Supreme Court in Launceston was told Williams committed the crimes in October 2021 at his home in Rocherlea.
She fled the home after the rape and rang her employer who then contacted police.
Justice Geason said sexual violence could be a symptom of dementia and Williams' moral culpability was diminished due to his medical condition.
"But this episode had serious consequences for your carer," he told Williams.
Williams was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended on the condition he be of good behaviour for two years.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner