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Ninety-nine-year-old Thelma Lawrence is understood to have bravely fought an assailant for a full 10 minutes during a terrifying home invasion.
Friends and neighbours of the Palmerston North widow describe Lawrence, who relies on a walking stick to get herself around, as "frail", "lovely" and "fiercely independent".
Neighbours were still in shock over the violent and cowardly home invasion, which happened 10 days ago.
Sources said her children and grandchildren were disgusted and angry, especially as the alleged offender has name suppression.
It was unlikely that the near-centenarian would ever return to her three-bedroom house alone.
Lawrence yesterday remained in Palmerston North Hospital, where she was being supported by family members, including her children. Her condition was described as stable.
Lawrence, who had lived alone after her husband, 80, passed away 16 years ago, is understood to be undergoing treatment for cuts and bruises to her arms and legs, suffered while fighting her attacker. The Herald on Sunday was told at least one operation was required.
She was also being treated for ongoing trauma.
A 20-year-old appeared in the Palmerston North District Court last Friday charged with burglary.
He made another brief appearance last week and was further remanded.
More charges were likely to follow, Kim Pearks, communications spokesperson for Mid-Central Police, said. Due to the woman's age and the extreme trauma she had suffered, police were mindful to tread carefully, and further interviews with her would be required.
Police have said there was no evidence of a sexual assault. It was unclear whether a weapon was used or what the motive for the home invasion was.
