KEY POINTS:
An elderly Mangawhai woman fought off a knife-wielding intruder who tried to sexually assault her.
The 73-year-old grandmother - who suffers from a heart condition and emphysema - wrestled the knife off the 49-year-old man and stabbed him in the arm and leg in the home invasion on Wednesday night.
Police say he entered her bedroom at 9.40pm armed with what appeared to be a steak knife.
The woman, who neighbours describe as frail in build, cannot be named for legal reasons. But police described her actions as courageous.
The alleged offender, arrested in Mangawhai by Rodney CIB investigators, is in police custody and due to appear in the North Shore District Court today charged with aggravated burglary and attempted sexual violation.
More charges are expected to follow.
Detective Sergeant Stan Brown said the woman was in bed when the man entered her bedroom.
"A struggle then ensued in which the woman was able to get the knife off the intruder and stab him in the left forearm and the thigh on his right leg," Mr Brown said.
The woman had given a detailed description of the incident and her attacker to police.
Detective Inspector Steve Wood said the householder had had "a discussion" with the man after getting the knife off him and rang the police after he left the property.
"She managed to keep together and remain calm so she did everything right."
Mr Wood said she was "mentally strong" and under the circumstances was "holding up very well" yesterday.
Her former husband told the Herald she had a heart condition and emphysema but he was not surprised she had defended herself "and done some damage".
He said they remained "good mates who look after each other" and he would be offering his support.
A 65-year-old neighbour who also lived alone praised the woman.
The neighbour kept a machete by her bed and said she would use it if anyone ever tried to break in to her place.
"I will protect myself ... He was lucky it was not me."
She had not heard anything suspicious on Wednesday night but said that could have been because of the stormy weather.
