The family of an 87-year-old woman attacked in her Hastings home last week are thrilled police have arrested and charged a man for the attack, her son says.
A 27-year-old man, arrested for the sexual assault on the pensioner on Thursday last week, was yesterday granted interim name suppression at his appearance in the Hastings District Court.
The Hastings man was arrested earlier yesterday and is charged with burglary, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful sexual connection.
He entered no plea to the charges.
Judge Jonathan Down declined a media application to photograph the alleged offender and made an order for interim suppression of his name, telling the court there had been concerns raised about his safety and a current lack of awareness regarding his mental health.