KEY POINTS:
A man accused of sexually violating and robbing an 88-year-old widow in her New Plymouth home was remanded in custody following a court appearance today.
George Paul Nicholls, 40, unemployed, faces charges of sexual violation and attempted sexual violation , along with breaking and entering and robbery.
Police allege Nicholls broke into the woman's home during the afternoon of May 8 and sexually and physically assaulted her for about 10 minutes.
A family member said the woman had lived in the house for the about 60 years, much of that time with her late husband - a World War 2 veteran.
Nicholls entered no plea during his appearance at New Plymouth District Court today and was remanded in custody until May 29.
- NZPA
