Dinesh Lal is due in court today for his third appearance this week.
Dinesh Lal is due in court today for his third appearance this week.
The son of a 77-year-old woman tied up and assaulted in a brutal daylight home invasion in January knows the man charged with his mother's attack.
The elderly woman was assaulted by a knife-wielding man in a balaclava, who tied her up with a scarf and bedsheet and beat her.
He stopped only when she held her breath and played dead. He then left with her jewellery.
This week, more than four months after the January 8 attack, police charged a 41-year-old man.
Dinesh Lal has been charged with kidnapping, aggravated burglary and assault with intent to commit sexual violation. He is due in court today for his third appearance this week.
The 77-year-old's son, who cannot be named because it could identify his mother, said the man accused of committing the crimes was a customer at his car yard.
The pair had celebrated together at his work Christmas party only weeks before the attack.
"He bought two cars from me, for him and his wife. Most of my customers are like my friends and family. As a customer I make everyone my friend. He was here every second Saturday after work for beers."
