Man jailed for attack on 99-year-old

File photo

A man who attacked a 99-year-old woman in her Palmerston North home has been sentenced to 2-1/2 years in prison.

Glen Patrick Joseph Walsh, 22, pleaded guilty in September to injuring Thelma Lawrence with intent to injure.

Walsh forced his way into Mrs Lawrence's home on November 13, 2008.

Police were alerted to the attack by neighbours and found Mrs Lawrence bruised and bleeding in the house.

She remained in hospital for four months and died there, aged 100. An autopsy showed she died from pneumonia.

Justice Alistair Garland sentenced Walsh in the High Court at Palmerston North today.

Mrs Lawrence received lacerations to her forearms and legs, he said.

Both her legs were bruised and a bone in her hand was broken during the attack.

Mrs Lawrence's three daughters gave victim impact statements to the court.

Walsh had initially denied three charges, but when he pleaded guilty to the injuring with intent charge, the others of indecent assault and remaining on premises with intent were withdrawn.

The court was told Walsh had been drinking home-brewed spirits and smoking cannabis on the night of the incident.

- NZPA