KEY POINTS:
A student today admitted the home invasion and assault of his elderly woman next door neighbour.
Simon Casey, 17, of Greymouth, pleaded guilty in Greymouth District Court to breaking into an Alexander Street home and assaulting the 76-year-old at 2am on April 25.
Police prosecutor Al Manco said Casey removed the aluminium framing from a window in an attempt to gain entry, but in the end resorted to breaking the window.
After climbing in, he was confronted by the woman. He grabbed her and placed one hand over her nose and mouth to silence her.
The woman was having difficulty breathing but after gaining assurance that she would be quiet, Casey let her go and fled the house.
As he lived next door, Casey was one of the first people spoken to by police.
DNA evidence placed him at the woman's property. He said he was drunk the previous night and could not remember anything.
Casey was remanded on bail for sentencing on September 4.
- NZPA
