In a harrowing break-in on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, an elderly woman fought off a youngster who she claims tried to suffocate with a pillow.
The 83-year-old was assaulted in her home by three intruders on June 8 around 11.30 p.m., according to the police.
Her Hyundai i30 and $3,000 in cash were allegedly stolen by the group.
According to Anne Balshaw, when she awoke, someone was searching through her wardrobe.
Before one of the accused took a pillow and covered her face, she allegedly tried to yell at the violators.
Balshaw claimed, “I was laying in bed and he put it over my face, but I’m fairly strong and I threw it off.
He then started throwing books at me while picking up books that were on my side table, and I yelled out, “Jesus help me.”
The alleged criminals left the area.
Balshaw hurried next door, still wearing her nightgown, where neighbors dialed 911 for the police.
Two of the three adolescent lads (15 and 16) who were detained have been charged.
Police suspect the same gang is behind a second house invasion where two cars were stolen in a nearby neighbourhood.
A 15-year-old boy was put on trial for aggravated burglary, auto theft, and committing an indictable offense while out on bail.
He is involved in nine other legal proceedings, according to the court.
He was remanded in detention as his mother, who shall remain nameless, wailed in court.
She explained, “He has psychiatric issues; he would never purposefully try to attack somebody.
The mother claimed she had tried for years to help her kid and was currently submitting an application for NDIS assistance.
It’s not for a 15-year-old who needs treatment, she said, “I know people say throw them in jail.”
