Woman, 99, attacked by neighbour, court told

File photo / Martin Sykes

A 99-year-old woman who was allegedly sexually attacked by a neighbour died in hospital just after her 100th birthday without returning home, a court was told yesterday.

Glen Patrick Joseph Walsh, 22, went on trial in Palmerston North District Court accused of indecently assaulting Thelma Lawrence, and injuring her with intent.

Crown prosecutor Chris Shannon told Judge Alistair Garland that Mrs Lawrence stayed in hospital for four months following the attack and died there, aged 100.

An autopsy showed she died of pneumonia, not as a result of the injuries suffered in the attack.

In a statement to police, Mrs Lawrence said she got out of bed to answer knocking on the door.

When she partially opened the door, Walsh went in, pushed her to the ground and punched her.

She told police Walsh tried to pull her underwear down and touched her "all over".

Police called after neighbours reported screaming found Walsh still in the house.

He ran into Mrs Lawrence's bedroom and got into a bed. He was arrested without a shirt or shoes.

The judge was told that Mrs Lawrence received cuts to her arms and legs, and bruising to her face in the attack. Defence lawyer Chris Tennet asked the court to amend the charge of injuring with intent to a charge of male assaults female, to which Walsh would plead guilty.

He said Walsh had been drinking homebrew spirits and smoking cannabis an the night of the incident and the defence case hinged on his intent to commit the crimes.

The trial continues today.

- NZPA