Attacker's punches woke woman

A victim of a home invasion recounted her ordeal in the High Court at Auckland yesterday, saying she woke up being punched in the face.

"I was hit in the face first, because that is what woke me up," said Lorraine McEwen, a Manurewa resident who required facial surgery after the attack.

"The person would leave, go away and in coming back hit me again, and go away and come back and keep hitting me."

She was giving evidence in the trial of Patricia Mahutoto, aged 52, of Manurewa, who is charged with aggravated burglary and causing grievous bodily harm to Lorraine McEwen and her partner, Robert Rogers, the former husband of Mahutoto.

Jointly charged with Mahutoto are Christopher Hereora, 27, Peter Anaru Matehaere, 32, and Jay Maui Wallace, 27. All four deny the two charges, and another count of robbing Lorraine McEwen's son, Rodney.

Giving testimony by closed-circuit television, Lorraine McEwen burst into tears when discussing the attack, forcing a short break while she recovered her composure.

"I just kept my eyes closed most of the time because of the beating. The person beating me asked me three times, 'Where is the money, bitch?' And I answered him, 'I haven't got any money.'

"I could hear Robert really gurgling in his breathing."

Plastic surgeon Dr Glenn Bartlett had earlier given evidence that Mr Rogers' injuries were comparable to those sustained in a high-speed motor vehicle accident.

Lorraine McEwen's injuries included lacerations to the right temple, bruising to the right eye and right cheek, and fractures to the right cheekbone and eye socket.

The trial, before Justice Susan Glazebrook, will continue next week.