A 91-year-old woman in East Maitland has survived a home invasion, with bruising and a huge scare after living happily in the town for over 50 years.
Janina Misiak awoke to a woman standing over her bed with her handbag on Saturday, staring at her, reports The Newcastle Herald.
After struggling with the intruder to protect her valuables the 91-year-old was allegedly kicked and fell onto a door.
“I said to her, ‘I won’t touch you but you’ll get punished, I’ll ring the cops on you’, and I shut my door – I was crying,” she said.
Police have since arrested Pauline Elizabeth Bates after a Mary Mackillop coin fell from her bra, which was a cherished belonging from Ms Misiak’s home.
On Sunday the Maitland Local Court heard the 45-year-old intruder has been battling cancer and finished chemotherapy three months ago.
Police documents provided to the court detailed the scene which Ms Misiak awoke to.
‘‘Her bedroom cupboard and drawers were open and she got out of bed and challenged Bates.
‘‘There was a struggle as the victim sought to reclaim her black handbag and she screamed.
‘‘Bates lashed out at the victim, striking her on the lower right leg.
‘‘Bates then threw the handbag at the victim and ran away. Two gold rings and $25 were missing from her wallet and she rang police.’’
Ms Bates was granted bail on the condition she does not enter both Maitland and East Maitland.
