Man charged with attempted murder after elderly woman bashed
Great-grandmother Patricia Maton was left with bleeding to her brain after a horrifying attack in her own home. The harrowing details of the case have been revealed for the first time as police allege a man tried to kill her before stealing her jewellery.
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A man tried to kill a great-grandmother by strangling her before stealing her two gold rings, police allege.
Peter Thao Vinh Phu Bui appeared in court on Thursday morning charged with the attempted murder of 84-year-old Patricia Maton in her North Turramurra retirement village unit.
The incident on November 16 shocked Sydney and Ms Maton was left with a fractured nose, bleeding to her brain and multiple cuts and bruises.
She is still recovering from the ordeal.
A three week investigation resulted in the arrest of 43-year-old Peter Thao Vinh Phu Bui during a vehicle stop on the Pacific Hwy at Wahroonga on Wednesday.
Police also charged the man over an aggravated break and enter at a retirement village in Cromer on November 15.
Police allege Mr Bui attempted to murder Ms Maton by strangulation and stole two gold rings from her unit before fleeing the scene on foot.
Search warrants were also carried out at a hotel in Pyrmont and a house on Jindalee Ave, Orange, where police allegedly seized clothing and jewellery.
Mr Bui was taken to Hornsby Police Station and charged with six offences including attempted murder, enter and commit a serious indictable offence and three counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Police also charged the man over an aggravated break and enter in Cromer a day earlier.
Patricia’s daughter Caroline spoke out following the November attack and said her mother, who has lived in Turramurra and St Ives for most of her life, had been a resident of the home for six weeks.
“She just can’t believe this has happened and she feels extremely violated – your home is supposed to be your safe place,” Caroline said.
Police said items suspected of being the proceeds of crime included two gold watches, a silver ring with diamonds, two gold brooches, a set of gold ear rings and a gold necklace with a pendant.
Mr Bui did not apply for bail at a hearing in Hornsby Local Court on Thursday. The Orange resident is due to reappear in court in February.
Ku-ring-gai Police Acting Superintendent Patrick Sharkey said an investigation into the incident had included a strike force and an initial search of the area by 50 police officers.
“Police have worked closely with the family of the victim (who is) now out of hospital and is recovering at another facility,” he said.
Ms Maton’s daughter Caroline spoke out following the alleged November attack and said her mother, who has lived in Turramurra and St Ives for most of her life, had been a resident of the home for six weeks.
Originally published as Man charged with attempted murder after elderly woman bashed